HB 1181 prohibits the injection, release, or dispersal of specific chemicals (including aluminum barium, strontium, sulfur dioxide, and other substances known to cause health issues) into the atmosphere for weather or climate modification. It directly affects individuals and businesses engaging in such activities, imposing a minimum $100,000 civil penalty plus $10,000 per day for ongoing violations. The bill creates a monitoring fund to cover enforcement costs (funded by fines), requires airports to report on aircraft equipped for such dispersal, and establishes an online public reporting system for suspected violations. Key mechanisms include mandatory airport reporting, public submission of details (e.g., chemicals used), and departmental rules for investigations and compliance.
HB 1103 requires that any annual withdrawal of groundwater from a source cannot exceed the natural annual recharge rate of that source. The bill amends groundwater appropriation rules to prohibit approving new water rights if withdrawal would exceed recharge, based on available data. It directly affects applicants seeking groundwater rights, including agricultural users, municipalities, and industries. An exception allows withdrawals exceeding recharge for older groundwater formations used by public water systems.
HB 1129 allows certain school district employees to carry concealed firearms on school grounds under specific conditions. It amends South Dakota law to create an exception for employees who are 21 or older, hold an enhanced concealed carry permit (per Chapter 23-7), and have written permission from the school principal. These employees must also notify the local law enforcement agency about their intent to carry, with notifications valid until June 30 annually. The bill explicitly states school districts are not liable for damages resulting from such employees using firearms. This policy change directly affects eligible school staff members seeking to carry concealed weapons within school buildings, grounds, or vehicles.
HB 1133 removes the requirement for an "enhanced permit" to carry a concealed pistol on campuses of South Dakota's public colleges and universities. Currently, the law (in sections 13-39A-43 and 13-53-56) mandates that only individuals with an enhanced, restricted enhanced, or reciprocal permit may carry concealed weapons on these campuses. This bill would allow anyone with a standard concealed carry permit (or equivalent) to carry on campus without needing the enhanced permit. It directly affects students, faculty, and visitors carrying concealed weapons at public higher education institutions across South Dakota.
HB 1191 exempts firearm sales from South Dakota's sales tax on or after December 1st each year. The bill directly affects firearm buyers and sellers within South Dakota, applying to all firearms defined under state law (§ 22-1-2). Key provision: it adds a new tax exemption to Chapter 10-45, removing the sales tax obligation for qualifying firearm transactions during this annual period. This is a straightforward tax policy change with no additional requirements or administrative mechanisms.
SB 33 modifies the signature requirements for specific election-related petitions in South Dakota. The bill, introduced at the Secretary of State's request, changes the number of signatures needed to circulate certain petitions. This directly affects individuals and organizations seeking to place ballot questions or candidates on the ballot. The exact new signature thresholds are not specified in the provided bill text.
SB 59 requires South Dakota state agencies to use "Judea and Samaria," "Judea," or "Samaria" instead of "West Bank" when referring to land adjacent to Jordan acquired by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. This applies to all official written materials produced by state agencies, including press releases, administrative rules, and guidance documents. The bill explicitly prohibits using "West Bank" in these materials but excludes teaching and research materials created by state university instructors. The law aims to standardize geographic terminology in state communications regarding this specific region.
SB 108 requires South Dakota's Legislative Research Council to post all recorded votes made by each legislator on the Council's website. This includes votes on bills and resolutions in both chambers and committees during each legislative session, along with records of absences or excusals. The voting records must be prominently displayed as a tab on each legislator's online profile page for public access. The bill applies to all legislators starting after July 1, 2026.
HB 1093 creates a new "small-batch winery" license in South Dakota for producers making limited quantities of wine. It sets specific requirements: producers must use at least 50% locally grown agricultural materials, limit annual production to 3,750 gallons, and pay a $500 license fee. The bill allows these wineries to sell directly on-site and to other licensed producers (like distillers or breweries) for use in manufacturing, while requiring verification of local ingredient sourcing. This license is distinct from existing "farm winery" licenses, which have higher production limits (150,000 gallons annually). The bill directly affects small-scale winery operators seeking to produce and sell wine under these defined parameters.
This bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations Month in South Dakota. It formally commemorates the state's career and technical education programs, which serve over 30,000 students in grades 7-12 and include organizations like FFA (6,500 members), SkillsUSA (500 members), and HOSA (1,300 members). The resolution highlights these programs' role in developing student skills, leadership, and industry connections but does not create new laws or policies. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct legal effect on funding, curriculum, or student requirements.
This bill is a symbolic resolution commemorating Deadwood's 150th anniversary as a historical milestone. It formally recognizes the city's founding in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush and its evolution from a frontier mining town into a preserved historic destination. The resolution invites all South Dakotans to celebrate Deadwood's cultural heritage, historical significance, and ongoing contributions to the state's identity. As a commemorative measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.
HB 1085 requires South Dakota health insurers to cover nonopioid prescription drugs for pain treatment when prescribed by a doctor, without denying coverage in favor of opioids. Insurers cannot impose stricter approval steps (like prior authorization) or higher cost-sharing tiers for nonopioid drugs compared to opioids or narcotics. This directly affects patients seeking pain management and insurers operating in South Dakota, ensuring equal coverage treatment for nonopioid options when clinically appropriate. The law applies to all health insurance policies sold or renewed in the state.
