HB 1153 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

protect certain rights of healthcare providers.

HB 1153 protects healthcare providers' right to refuse participation in or payment for medical services that conflict with their moral, ethical, or religious beliefs (Section 2). It applies broadly to all healthcare professionals (like doctors, nurses, pharmacists), healthcare entities (hospitals, clinics), and organizations arranging medical payments (Section 1). The bill prohibits discrimination against providers who exercise this right, engage in protected speech about it, report violations, or disclose conscience-related concerns to authorities (Section 3). It clarifies that employers may accommodate this right through reassignment or schedule changes but cannot retaliate, while not affecting existing duties to provide non-conflicting care.
Bill status in committee 2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Last action Feb 10, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced House Health and Human Services Engrossed · 4 edits · Feb 6, 2026
MODERATE
This document shows the transition of House Bill 1153 from its initial introduction to the House Health and Human Services committee version. The bill establishes protections for healthcare providers who object to certain medical services based on their conscience, defines key terms like 'conscience' and 'healthcare provider,' and prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse to participate in or pay for services that violate their conscience. The changes primarily involve formatting and reorganization of the bill text rather than substantive policy modifications.
DEFINITION

Added detailed definitions for 'conscience,' 'healthcare provider,' and 'medical service' to clarify who is protected and what services are covered under the bill.

REQUIREMENT

Added provisions stating that healthcare providers cannot be required to participate in or pay for medical services that violate their conscience, with specific limitations on this right.

ENFORCEMENT

Added anti-discrimination provisions protecting healthcare providers from adverse actions when they exercise their conscience rights or report violations.

TECHNICAL

Removed browser compatibility warnings and technical notices that were part of the original webpage display but not part of the actual bill text.

Floor votes · House Feb 10, 2026

How they voted

2541
Failed · 4 other
Total votes 70
Feb 10, 2026
D Democratic5
5 Nay
100% Nay
R Republican65
25 Yea 36 Nay 4
55% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Amendments
1
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 25, NAYS 41 H.J. 283
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (25-41-4)
house
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Health and Human Services Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 5 H.J. 12
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced
Health and Human Services Motion to amend , Passed, H.J. 11 Amendment 1153A
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced
First read in House and referred to House Health and Human Services H.J. 148
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors