Labor & Employment

HB 1163 prohibits employers, schools, and public accommodations from requiring genetic-based vaccinations (defined as those using mRNA, DNA, or similar genetic technology) as a condition for employment, enrollment, or services. It also bans adverse actions like termination or denial of services based on vaccination status. The bill allows reasonable safety measures like masks or remote work but exempts healthcare facilities under federal rules, existing school vaccine requirements, health science program placements, court-ordered vaccinations, and the National Guard. This directly affects employers, educational institutions, and public service providers in South Dakota.

This bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to provide grants for volunteer fire departments in South Dakota to purchase safety gear (like helmets and suits) for their firefighters. It specifically targets departments where at least 70% of firefighters volunteer, prioritizing those with the greatest equipment needs. The Department of Public Safety will distribute funds based on application timing and need, with unspent funds reverting by June 2030. An emergency declaration allows the funding to take effect immediately upon passage.

HB 1174 would amend South Dakota's retirement law to include 911 telecommunicators as Class B members of the South Dakota Retirement System. This change directly affects 911 call center workers across the state, granting them the same retirement classification as police officers, firefighters, and other public safety staff. The bill updates the legal definition of "Class B member" in the retirement system statutes to explicitly list 911 telecommunicators alongside existing professions like law enforcement and fire personnel. This is a technical classification change, not a new benefit or funding mechanism.

SB 153 prohibits employment contracts from restricting community services providers (who work with individuals with developmental disabilities) from continuing to provide services after their employment ends. It makes contract clauses that block such continued service voidable, effective July 1, 2026. The law allows exceptions for provisions related to selling a practice or reasonable non-solicitation terms that comply with existing rules. This directly affects community services providers in South Dakota, ensuring they can maintain client relationships post-employment without undue contractual barriers.