South Dakota Bills

died · South Dakota · House Feb 6, 2025

HB 1113: require a mental health assessment for certain individuals being considered for employment by the Division of Highway Patrol.

This bill requires the South Dakota Division of Highway Patrol to conduct mental health assessments for individuals being considered for employment. The provision directly affects job applicants seeking positions within the highway patrol agency by adding a specific screening requirement. The key mechanism involves mandating that these assessments be completed as part of the hiring process to evaluate potential candidates' mental fitness. This change aims to ensure that all employees meet established mental health standards before being hired for law enforcement roles.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 6, 2025

HB 1120: transfer certain moneys and to make an appropriation for the operations of the state library.

This bill authorizes the transfer of state funds and provides an appropriation for the operations of the South Dakota State Library. It directly affects the state library by ensuring it has the necessary financial resources to continue its functions. The key mechanism involves moving specific moneys from one state account to another and allocating additional funds for library operations. This legislative action supports the library's ability to serve the public without changing its core mission or services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Feb 6, 2025

SC 807: Recognizing and expressing gratitude to Mike Pedersen for his decades-long commitment to celebrating the joy of Christmas through music.

This bill proposes to formally recognize and express gratitude to Mike Pedersen for his long-term dedication to celebrating Christmas through music. The measure would likely involve a legislative resolution or proclamation acknowledging his contributions rather than creating new laws or regulations. It directly affects Mike Pedersen by honoring his work but does not impose obligations or alter existing policies. The bill is commemorative in nature and focuses on public acknowledgment rather than substantive policy changes.

died · South Dakota · House Feb 6, 2025

HB 1175: establish the crime of aggravated careless driving and provide a penalty therefor.

This bill creates a new criminal offense called aggravated careless driving in South Dakota. It applies to drivers who operate vehicles in a manner that endangers others through careless behavior. The legislation establishes specific penalties for this offense, though the exact sentencing details are not included in the provided text. This change aims to address severe cases of reckless driving that do not currently qualify as more serious traffic crimes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 6, 2025

SB 50: prohibit the use of drones for purposes of assessing real property for taxation, and to provide a penalty therefor.

This bill prohibits the use of drones to assess real property for taxation purposes in South Dakota. It directly affects local tax assessors, property owners, and drone operators who might otherwise use aerial technology for property valuation. The legislation establishes penalties for anyone who violates this ban, ensuring that property assessments continue to rely on traditional methods rather than unmanned aerial vehicles. By restricting drone usage in this specific context, the bill aims to maintain established assessment procedures while preventing unauthorized aerial surveillance for tax evaluation.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Technology

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 1104: amend the requirements for a paper ballot.

HB 1104 proposes changes to the requirements for paper ballots in South Dakota elections. The bill directly affects election officials and voters by modifying how ballots must be printed, handled, or recorded. Specific provisions likely include adjustments to ballot design, distribution methods, or verification processes to ensure accuracy and accessibility. This legislation aims to update existing election procedures without altering the fundamental right to vote.

passed both · South Dakota · Senate Feb 5, 2025

SB 20: require a voter use a pen when marking a ballot.

This bill requires voters in South Dakota to use a pen to mark their ballots, directly affecting all individuals casting votes in the state. The key provision mandates that ballot marking must be done with a writing instrument rather than allowing alternative methods like pencils or digital tools. This change standardizes the physical process of voting to ensure clear and legible ballot markings. The policy applies to all in-person and mail-in voting scenarios where a voter marks their ballot by hand.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 1103: modify the voter registration deadline.

HB 1103 modifies the voter registration deadline in South Dakota, directly affecting eligible voters who wish to register to vote. The bill adjusts the specific date by which citizens must complete the registration process before an upcoming election. This change ensures that the registration timeline aligns with updated state requirements or election schedules. The provision does not alter who can vote but rather when the registration must be finalized.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 1086: clarify a provision related to the award of punitive damages in a wrongful death action.

HB 1086 clarifies how punitive damages are awarded in wrongful death cases in South Dakota. The bill directly affects individuals involved in legal disputes where a death has occurred due to another party's actions. It specifies the conditions under which courts can grant additional monetary compensation beyond standard damages. This provision aims to provide clearer guidelines for judges and juries when determining punitive awards. The change does not alter existing rights but refines the legal language governing these specific financial penalties.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 1112: require the coverage of biomarker testing in certain health insurance policies.

This bill requires certain health insurance policies in South Dakota to cover biomarker testing for specific medical conditions. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these insurance plans who may need genetic or molecular tests to guide their treatment. The key provision mandates that insurers include these tests in their coverage without additional cost to the patient. This change aims to ensure access to diagnostic tools that can inform personalized medical care decisions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 1054: allow public schools to authorize an individual to volunteer or be employed as a school chaplain.

This bill allows public schools in South Dakota to authorize individuals to serve as school chaplains, either as volunteers or employees. The legislation enables schools to formally recognize and support religious or spiritual leaders who provide counseling and pastoral care to students. By permitting these roles, the bill aims to expand access to spiritual guidance within the public education system while maintaining existing employment and volunteer standards.

Topics ✓ Education

died · South Dakota · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 1209: repeal authorization for the use of medical cannabis by a probationer or parolee.

HB 1209 removes the legal authorization that currently allows probationers and parolees in South Dakota to use medical cannabis. This change means individuals under community supervision can no longer legally access medical marijuana, even if they have a valid medical condition. The bill directly affects people on probation or parole who rely on medical cannabis for treatment. It does not change the state's existing medical cannabis program for the general population, only restricting access for those under supervision.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Healthcare

Bill results