Transportation

Senate Bill 164 (SB 164) requires all current and new holders of commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency by January 1, 2026. This requirement aligns with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11) for commercial motor vehicle drivers and applies directly to individuals seeking or renewing CDLs. The bill amends state law to add English proficiency as a mandatory condition for CDL issuance, referencing existing federal qualifications. Violations may result in penalties, though specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text.

SB 236 creates a new "county and township infrastructure fund" in South Dakota's state treasury to manage unspent money from existing rural access infrastructure funds. It requires counties to transfer any unobligated funds (money not committed to specific projects) by June 30, 2029, to this state fund instead of letting them revert to the general budget. The fund will hold these unspent moneys for future allocation to counties, following existing rules for rural road projects, and will be administered by the Department of Revenue. This bill does not change how funds are spent but provides a formal mechanism for accounting, safekeeping, and future distribution of leftover funds.

SB 71 allows South Dakota's Department of Transportation to take over federal environmental review responsibilities for highway projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It directly affects the state DOT and any parties involved in lawsuits related to these highway projects. Key provisions include waiving South Dakota's sovereign immunity (meaning the state can be sued in federal court) for compliance disputes and requiring the state to pay damages and attorney fees from highway funds if it loses such cases. The bill streamlines environmental reviews for state highway projects but does not change federal environmental standards.

HB 1189 increases the maximum allowable weight per inch of tire width for mobile cranes with booms carried over the vehicle from 600 to 650 pounds on South Dakota highways. This change directly affects mobile crane operators transporting equipment on public roads, allowing slightly heavier loads under specific conditions. The bill amends existing weight regulations (§ 32-22-21) to adjust this limit for cranes meeting the defined criteria (self-propelled carriers with telescoping/lattice booms). It does not alter other weight limits or create new requirements, focusing solely on this technical adjustment for crane mobility.

HB 1242 requires emergency personnel (police, fire, EMTs) to place three flares or emergency reflective triangles around stopped emergency vehicles when visibility is reduced by weather, terrain, or time of day; road conditions make stopping difficult; or the emergency requires extended vehicle stops. The law specifies placement: 100 feet front and rear on two-way roads, with adjusted spacing (100 feet and 200 feet rear) on one-way roads. This applies to all emergency vehicles operating under the statute's exemptions. The policy change aims to improve safety visibility for responders and other drivers during emergency stops.