define nonpublic school.
SB 187 defines "nonpublic school" in South Dakota law as an institution operated by individuals or groups (not publicly elected boards) that teaches math and English fundamentals to children of compulsory school age, with English instruction focused on mastery. The bill specifies that such schools may limit enrollment, charge tuition, receive grants or services from school districts, but cannot claim geographic territory for tax revenue or receive state education aid under Chapter 13-13. It also clarifies that nonpublic schools are not required to be accredited or have certified teachers. This definition applies to all nonpublic schools in South Dakota, establishing their legal boundaries for funding and operations.
Bill status
failed
2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2026
Last action Feb 17, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Feb 17, 2026
How they voted
11–23
Failed · 1 other
Total votes 35
Feb 17, 2026
D
Democratic3
100% Nay
R
Republican32
62% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Feb 17, 2026
Vote failed
Senate Vote: fail (11-23-1)
senate
Feb 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Deferred to another day , Passed, S.J. 245
upper
Feb 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Education Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 3
upper
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Education S.J. 139
upper
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Al Novstrup
RRepublican
P
Carl Perry
RRepublican
P
Heather Baxter
RRepublican
P
Julie Auch
RRepublican
P
Lauren Nelson
RRepublican
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