South Dakota Senate Bill 137 creates a legal process to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target free speech on public issues. It allows people sued for protected expression - like criticizing government actions or speaking on matters of public concern - to file a special motion asking a court to dismiss the case within 60 days. If filed, the court must pause all other legal proceedings related to the lawsuit until the motion is decided, with limited discovery allowed only for specific evidence. The bill does not apply to lawsuits by or against government entities enforcing public safety laws or to routine commercial disputes.
SB 139 revises South Dakota law to clarify transportation requirements for inmates being discharged from correctional facilities. It requires correctional facilities to provide transportation to a location chosen by the inmate from three options: the county where the inmate lived at the time of the offense, the county where they received their sentence, or any location at the same distance as the closer of those two counties (based on mileage). This change gives inmates more flexibility in selecting a release location while ensuring transportation is provided to a reasonably accessible place near their previous residence or sentencing location. The bill directly affects inmates released from South Dakota correctional facilities under parole, suspended sentences, or final discharge.
HB 1149 adopts the Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact, allowing South Dakota to join a multi-state agreement that enables licensed athletic trainers from participating states to practice in South Dakota without obtaining a separate license. The bill requires athletic trainers seeking to practice under the compact to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check (paid by the trainer) and establishes mutual recognition of licenses across member states. Key provisions include reducing administrative burdens for trainers, improving access to athletic care through streamlined interstate practice, and ensuring states maintain authority to regulate practice within their borders. This directly affects athletic trainers seeking to work across state lines and patients in South Dakota who may access care from out-of-state professionals.
SB 107 amends South Dakota law to explicitly include licensed and registered child care programs within the definition of "community safety zone." This means the 500-foot buffer zone around such facilities - including day care centers, group family day care homes, and registered family day care - will now be covered by the same restrictions on sex offender residence as schools, shelters, and public parks. The bill clarifies that all licensed and registered child care programs are explicitly included under existing definitions without adding new facilities to the list. This change directly affects sex offenders required to register under South Dakota law, as they are barred from residing within these zones without specific exemptions.
HB 1095 modifies South Dakota's rules for submitting nominating petitions for municipal elections. It clarifies that petitions sent by registered mail are considered filed if received by March 31 (for June elections) or August 31 (for November elections), rather than requiring mailing by those dates. The bill also updates withdrawal deadlines, requiring candidates to withdraw by 5 p.m. local time on the first Thursday after the petition filing deadline. These changes directly affect candidates seeking local municipal office who must file petitions. The bill does not alter petition content requirements or signature rules.
HB 1161 defines "female" and "male" based on biological reproductive systems and requires state-owned or leased facilities (like schools, government buildings, and public spaces) to designate multi-occupancy changing rooms, restrooms, and sleeping quarters for exclusive use by males or females. The bill specifies that exceptions apply for children under 10 with parents, individuals assisting those with disabilities, emergency personnel, and certain maintenance staff. It also clarifies that gender-specific designations do not apply to rooms used by firefighters, law enforcement, or performers in their professional capacity. The law directly affects public facilities operated by the state or its subdivisions.
SB 154 clarifies how garages and related structures on a property qualify for owner-occupied tax classification in South Dakota. It amends tax code sections to explicitly include all garages and ancillary structures used with a primary residence as part of the owner-occupied dwelling, rather than requiring separate classification. The bill also updates rules for contractors, limiting them to classifying no more than four newly built homes as owner-occupied and restricting this classification to no more than two consecutive years. These changes aim to reduce confusion in property tax assessments for both homeowners and developers. The bill directly affects property owners with multiple structures and contractors building single-family homes for sale.
SB 159 raises South Dakota's minimum marriage age to 18, eliminating the previous exception allowing 16- to 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. It requires court approval for any minor under 18 to marry, mandating an in-person hearing where the court assesses the minor's safety, maturity, and whether the marriage is voluntary, with written findings required. Alternatively, two parents' notarized consent (instead of one parent's) may be submitted, but the marriage license cannot be issued until 30 days after judicial approval. The bill also increases penalties for officiants who solemnize marriages without proper consent, classifying violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor. This directly affects minors aged 16-17 seeking marriage, their parents/guardians, and marriage officiants.
HB 1220 regulates the retail sale of nicotine products in South Dakota by requiring retailers to obtain a $1,000 license for each business location. It bans sales to anyone under 21, prohibits sales through vending machines, online, by phone, or in-person at locations within 1,000 feet of schools (with exceptions for pre-July 1, 2026, stores), and forbids free samples. Retailers must display age restriction signs and maintain sales records. The bill defines "nicotine products" broadly to include nicotine analogs (unless FDA-approved) and directly affects stores selling e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and similar items.
HB 1200 appropriates $8 million from South Dakota's general fund to the Department of Public Safety for grants to nonprofit organizations providing specific victim services. It directly supports nonprofits focused on helping children abused or neglected, domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims, or victims of commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking. The bill allows grant funds to cover 24/7 emergency services, counseling, crisis lines, case management, sexual assault nurse examiner training, and child advocacy center services - excluding new programs or legal aid. Nonprofits must apply annually between July 1 and August 31, report on services delivered, and prioritize organizations seeking additional funding. The appropriation becomes effective June 30, 2026.
HB 1082 requires South Dakota school districts to provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible students without charging them, as defined by federal programs (National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program) starting January 1, 2026. The bill mandates that the South Dakota Department of Education reimburse school districts for costs incurred on these meals, after subtracting any federal reimbursement received. This directly affects school districts serving students qualifying for federal meal programs and ensures state funding covers the gap between federal support and actual meal costs. The law amends Section 13-35-2 of South Dakota law to clarify these reimbursement parameters.
HB 1232 requires South Dakota state agencies to document how they consider five specific principles when creating or changing policies or rules that directly affect tribal nations. These principles include committing to cooperation with tribes, respecting tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships, communicating early with tribal officials, being accountable for tribal concerns, and preserving tribal-state partnerships. The law applies to any agency policy or rule with direct tribal impacts, mandating written records of this consideration. It does not change existing tribal rights but sets a procedural standard for state agency engagement. This bill aims to improve transparency and collaboration between state agencies and tribal governments.
