HB 1107 South Dakota House · 2025 Regular Session

prohibit natural asset companies.

This bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from engaging with "natural asset companies," which are defined as entities holding rights to manage or restore ecological resources like soil, water, and biodiversity. It bans state agencies from leasing public land to these companies, investing state money in them, or entering into any business agreements that would grant them an interest in state resources. Additionally, the bill prevents natural assets from being transferred to such companies and requires the Secretary of State to revoke or deny business licenses for any entity that operates as a natural asset company. The law explicitly excludes nonprofits, privately held farms, and companies providing physical ecosystem services from these restrictions.
Bill status in committee 2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Failed
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced House Commerce and Energy Engrossed · 6 edits · Feb 3, 2025
MODERATE
This bill introduces new definitions for 'natural asset companies' and prohibits the state from engaging with them in various ways, including investing state money, granting public land rights, or allowing them to operate within South Dakota. The legislation aims to prevent state resources from being used to support entities that hold rights to manage natural assets for conservation or restoration purposes.
Scope change
The bill expands state restrictions to include a new category of entities called 'natural asset companies,' which were not previously addressed in state law.
DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'natural asset' and 'natural asset company' to clarify which entities are covered by the restrictions.

FISCAL

Prohibited state investment in natural asset companies, including direct investments, mutual funds, and private placements.

ELIGIBILITY

Prevented the state from granting easements, liens, or selling public land to natural asset companies.

ENFORCEMENT

Authorized the Secretary of State to revoke authority for entities that become natural asset companies and allowed courts to award attorney fees for violations.

TIMELINE

Established July 1, 2025, as the effective date for contracts with natural asset companies to be considered void.

EXCEPTIONS

Exempted nonprofit organizations, privately held farms, and companies providing physical ecosystem services from the restrictions.

Floor votes · House Feb 5, 2025

How they voted

2739
Failed · 1 other
Total votes 67
Feb 5, 2025
D Democratic5
4 Nay 1
80% Nay
R Republican62
27 Yea 35 Nay
56% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Feb 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 28, NAYS 39 H.J. 204
lower
Feb 5, 2025
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (27-39-1)
house
Feb 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Commerce and Energy Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 5
lower
Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
Commerce and Energy Motion to amend , Passed, Amendment 1107C
lower
Jan 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to H.J. 134
lower
13 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors