HB 1163 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

prohibit certain persons from requiring genetic-based vaccinations.

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.
Bill status failed 2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 28, 2026 Last action Feb 20, 2026
Floor votes · House Feb 20, 2026

How they voted

3235
Failed · 3 other
Total votes 70
Feb 20, 2026
D Democratic5
5 Nay
100% Nay
R Republican65
32 Yea 30 Nay 3
49% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 20, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (32-35-3)
house
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Health and Human Services Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 5
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Introduced
First read in House and referred to House Health and Human Services H.J. 163
lower
4 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors