South Dakota Bills

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1243: require an ownership disclosure for any non-individual entity that exercises eminent domain.

HB 1243 requires non-individual entities, such as corporations or government agencies, to disclose their ownership when exercising eminent domain powers. This provision applies to any organization that takes private property for public use and aims to increase transparency in the process. The bill mandates that these entities reveal who ultimately owns or controls them before proceeding with property acquisition. This change is designed to help property owners understand who is making decisions about land use and compensation.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1227: provide that certain testamentary gifts given to a lawyer from a client are invalid.

This bill prohibits clients from making gifts or bequests to their attorneys through wills or other testamentary documents. The law directly affects individuals who might otherwise leave property to their lawyers and attorneys who could receive such gifts. Under this provision, any testamentary gift from a client to their own lawyer would be considered invalid and unenforceable. The measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring clients do not benefit financially from their legal representation through inheritance.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1123: repeal medical purpose as a defense in prosecutions involving cannabis.

HB 1123 removes the ability to use a medical purpose as a legal defense in prosecutions related to cannabis possession or use in South Dakota. This change directly affects individuals who have been charged with cannabis-related offenses and previously might have argued they were using the substance for medical reasons. The bill eliminates the specific legal provision that allowed such a defense, meaning medical necessity will no longer be considered a valid justification in court. As a result, prosecutors will no longer need to prove that a defendant's cannabis use was not for medical purposes, and defendants cannot raise medical need as a shield against charges.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Healthcare

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1252: revise provisions related to human trafficking.

HB 1252 updates South Dakota's laws regarding human trafficking by revising existing provisions. The bill directly affects law enforcement, legal professionals, and individuals involved in trafficking cases by modifying how these crimes are defined and prosecuted. Key changes include adjustments to penalties and procedures related to trafficking investigations and victim support. This legislation aims to align state laws with current legal standards without changing the fundamental nature of the crime.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 217: prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment.

This bill, SB 217, proposes to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment for counting ballots in South Dakota elections. If enacted, this change would require all votes cast by citizens to be counted manually by election officials, directly affecting how election results are determined statewide. The core provision of the bill is a ban on the use of machines for vote tabulation, mandating a shift to human counting for all future elections.

Topics ✗ Technology

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1253: provide for the refinancing of certain mortgages on properties affected by declared disasters.

This bill allows homeowners in South Dakota whose properties were damaged by declared disasters to refinance their existing mortgages. It directly affects residents who have suffered property damage from official disaster declarations and need financial relief through loan restructuring. The key provision enables these homeowners to access refinancing options that may offer more favorable terms than their current loans, helping them manage ongoing mortgage payments after disaster-related losses. The legislation does not specify exact interest rates or eligibility criteria but establishes the legal framework for disaster-related mortgage refinancing.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 162: establish a biomonitoring pilot program for firefighters and to make an appropriation therefor.

This bill establishes a pilot program to monitor the health of firefighters by collecting biological data on their exposure to hazardous substances. It directly affects firefighters in South Dakota by creating a structured system to track potential health risks associated with their work. The legislation includes funding to support the implementation and operation of this monitoring initiative. The program will serve as a test case to determine the effectiveness of such health surveillance before considering broader application.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 197: enhance education in South Dakota.

SB 197 is a symbolic bill that declares the South Dakota Legislature's intent to improve education within the state. It does not create any new laws, funding, or specific requirements for schools or students. As a purely declarative measure, it serves as a statement of purpose rather than a functional policy change.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HJR 5004: Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election amendments to the Constitution to the State of South Dakota, increasing the number of required signatures on a petition to initiate an amendment or measure.

This bill proposes changing the South Dakota Constitution to require more voter signatures on petitions for constitutional amendments or ballot measures. It directly affects citizens who wish to initiate legislative proposals through the petition process by increasing the signature threshold. The key mechanism is raising the number of required signatures, making it more difficult to place such measures on the ballot. This change would apply to future elections and alter the current rules for citizen-initiated legislation in the state.

died · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1247: modify massage therapist licensure requirements and to create a penalty therefor.

HB 1247 proposes changes to the licensure requirements for massage therapists in South Dakota. The bill would modify the current standards for obtaining a massage therapy license and establishes penalties for individuals who practice without meeting these new requirements. These changes directly affect massage therapists seeking licensure and the public they serve. The legislation aims to clarify professional standards and provide enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1181: require a school district to provide dyslexia screening.

HB 1181 requires school districts in South Dakota to implement dyslexia screening programs for students. The bill mandates that districts establish procedures to identify students who may have dyslexia and provide appropriate support services. This legislation directly affects public school systems and students in the state by ensuring early detection and intervention for reading disabilities. The measure focuses on creating a systematic approach to screening rather than prescribing specific treatment methods or funding levels.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 122: restrict the deference given by courts to a state agency's interpretation of a state statute, administrative rule, or policy.

This bill would change how South Dakota courts review decisions made by state agencies when interpreting laws, rules, or policies. Currently, courts often give significant weight to agency interpretations, but this legislation would require courts to independently evaluate whether those interpretations are reasonable rather than deferring to the agency's judgment. The change directly affects state agencies that issue regulatory interpretations and the courts that review those interpretations. By shifting the standard of review, the bill aims to ensure judicial oversight of administrative actions without necessarily overturning specific agency decisions.

Bill results