revise the conditions for denial or restriction of a motor vehicle or motorcycle operator license or permit if an individual has a medical condition that can be controlled under the care of a physician.
HB 1079 revises South Dakota's rules for issuing driver's licenses to people with medical conditions that could affect driving safety. It allows the Department of Public Safety to issue a temporary license to applicants with a physician-diagnosed, medication-controlled condition (like epilepsy or heart issues), provided they confirm ongoing medication use and physician care. This temporary license requires six-month reviews and replaces the previous requirement of a 12-month seizure-free period for those with controlled conditions. The bill directly affects drivers managing treatable health issues that could impair safe operation of a vehicle.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
House Passage
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026
Last action Jan 29, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
0
Amendments
2
Jan 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Transportation Deferred to the 41st legislative day , Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 1 H.J. 9
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
Transportation Motion to amend , Passed, H.J. 8 Amendment 1079C
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
Transportation Motion to amend , Passed, H.J. 7 Amendment 1079B
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
First read in House and referred to House Transportation H.J. 43
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Carl Perry
RRepublican
P
Heather Baxter
RRepublican
P
John Sjaarda
RRepublican
P
Kevin Jensen
RRepublican
P
Scott Moore
RRepublican
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