HB 1276 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

establish policies and procedures for the use of solitary confinement in a juvenile facility.

HB 1276 establishes strict rules for using solitary confinement in South Dakota's juvenile facilities. It prohibits solitary confinement for discipline, punishment, or convenience - allowing it only when a juvenile poses an immediate risk of physical harm to self or others. The bill requires facilities to first try less restrictive methods, get approval from a facility leader, and form an interdisciplinary team (including mental health staff and administrators) to review cases within 24 hours and reassess weekly if confinement lasts more than seven days. Facilities must document all cases, provide continuous monitoring (every 15 minutes in-person), ensure access to basic needs like medical care and education, and notify parents within one business day. This applies directly to all juveniles held in state-operated juvenile facilities.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Feb 20, 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
4
Key actions
1
Committee
0
Amendments
1
Feb 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Judiciary Deferred to the 41st legislative day , Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 2 H.J. 23
lower
Feb 20, 2026
Introduced
Judiciary Motion to amend , Passed, H.J. 23 Amendment 1276A
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Introduced
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 219
lower
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors