SR 701 South Dakota Senate · 2026 Regular Session

recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law), not a bill affecting policies or people. It formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, as a moment to reflect on foundational American principles. The resolution has no legal effect or concrete policy changes; it serves only to symbolically acknowledge the anniversary through a formal statement by the South Dakota Senate. It does not impose requirements, allocate funds, or directly impact any individuals or groups.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Senate Passage

Jan 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Jan 15, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons

What changed between versions

SR701A → SR701C · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill text was streamlined by removing references to 'natural-born Americans' and 'ordered liberty' while simplifying the language about indigenous nations and immigrants. These changes reduce the emphasis on specific citizenship categories and slightly alter the philosophical framing of the resolution's purpose.

DEFINITION

Removed the phrase 'natural-born Americans' from the list of groups contributing to the nation, narrowing the explicit recognition of citizenship categories.

Removed the term 'ordered liberty' from the list of founding principles being reflected upon, simplifying the philosophical language of the resolution.

REQUIREMENT

Reordered and slightly shortened the WHEREAS clauses to improve flow while maintaining the core message about celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 15, 2026

How they voted

33–0

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 35

Jan 15, 2026

D Democratic3

3 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican32

30 Yea 2

93% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Adopt Resolution as amended , Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 0 S.J. 51

upper

Jan 15, 2026

Introduced

Senate Motion to amend , Passed, YEAS 18, NAYS 15 S.J. 50 Amendment SR701A

upper

Jan 15, 2026

Introduced

Senate Motion to amend , Passed, S.J. 50 Amendment SR701C

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

First read in Senate and referral to committee waived pursuant to JR 6D-1 S.J. 34

upper

19 primary · 0 co-sponsors