Criminal Justice

HCR 6001 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota. It directly addresses DHS and aims to benefit law enforcement personnel serving South Dakota’s nine federally recognized tribal nations, including those working in culturally specific contexts. The resolution requests DHS collaborate with tribal leaders and state agencies to design training programs tailored to tribal communities’ unique needs. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally asks DHS to consider South Dakota as a location for such an academy. The resolution emphasizes South Dakota’s existing partnerships with tribal nations and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in law enforcement training.

South Dakota's HB 1083 creates a new felony charge for stalking public officials, separate from general stalking offenses. It defines "public official" to include elected state/federal leaders, legislators, judges, and law enforcement officers. The bill specifies that intentionally stalking these officials with the intent to cause fear of death or serious harm constitutes a Class 6 felony, carrying the same penalty as existing felony stalking of children. This amendment modifies existing stalking laws (§ 22-19A-1) by adding a specific provision for public officials, without changing penalties for general stalking or stalking children. The law directly affects public officials and those who target them through repeated following, threats, or harassment.