South Dakota Bills

died · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1073: provide for the creation of a cardiac emergency plan in every school and to make an appropriation therefor.

HB 1073 requires every public and accredited nonpublic school in South Dakota to create a cardiac emergency response plan. The bill mandates schools to develop these plans with local emergency services, including forming response teams, placing accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and athletic venues, and training staff in CPR and AED use. Schools must conduct annual drills and maintain AEDs, with specific training requirements for coaches, athletic trainers, nurses, and response team members. This law directly affects all South Dakota schools and aims to improve emergency response for heart-related incidents during school activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

died · South Dakota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 156: modify the crime of cruelty to an animal and increase the penalty therefor.

SB 156 modifies South Dakota's animal cruelty law by adding a new classification for the most severe cases. It makes it a Class 4 felony to commit cruelty "in an especially depraved, heinous, sadistic, or wicked manner," elevating penalties for extreme acts. This directly affects individuals convicted of particularly brutal animal cruelty, moving such cases from lower-level offenses to felony charges. The bill specifically amends Section 40-1-2.4 of South Dakota law to establish this higher penalty tier.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

passed both · South Dakota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 115: remove the prohibition pertaining to the shooting of mourning doves located within specific areas.

SB 115 removes a specific rule that previously prohibited hunting mourning doves on highways or public rights-of-way in South Dakota. The bill amends existing law to allow hunting mourning doves (previously excluded) in areas where small game hunting is otherwise permitted on highways and public rights-of-way. This change directly affects hunters who wish to pursue mourning doves near roads or public pathways that were previously restricted. The bill does not alter other hunting rules, safety zones, or penalties related to firearm discharge near dwellings or schools.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1227: increase the annual fee required of an owner of an electric motor vehicle.

HB 1227 increases the annual registration fee for owners of electric motor vehicles in South Dakota from $50 to $51 (likely a typo for $50, as "fifty one hundred" is inconsistent with standard fee amounts). The fee applies when renewing vehicle registration and must be paid alongside standard license fees, excluding electric motorcycles covered under separate law. All collected fees are deposited into the state highway fund. The bill specifically defines "electric motor vehicle" as noncommercial, battery-rechargeable vehicles meeting federal safety standards.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1201: authorize the use of bingo games, lotteries, and pull-tab devices by booster clubs.

HB 1201 authorizes South Dakota booster clubs (like school or community groups) to operate bingo games, lotteries, and pull-tab devices for fundraising. The bill adds booster clubs to the list of organizations allowed to host these activities under existing rules, requiring them to follow specific safeguards: prizes cannot exceed $2,000 per play, they must provide 30 days' written notice to local governments before events, and no one can be paid more than minimum wage (or $60/hour) for organizing sessions. It also clarifies that booster clubs can use mechanical pull-tab devices under the same conditions as other eligible groups. This changes current law to explicitly permit these fundraising methods for booster clubs while maintaining oversight and financial restrictions.

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1213: make an appropriation for a statewide educator retention initiative.

HB 1213 appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Education for a statewide educator retention initiative. The bill provides grants to public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to address retention challenges, using both quantitative and qualitative data to identify and resolve underlying issues. School districts must apply for funding, with grants covering program costs during fiscal years 2026-2029, and the Department may use up to 5% of the appropriation for administration. This initiative requires a comprehensive approach to support educators, with funds allocated based on approved applications and expiring June 30, 2029.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1204: create the South Dakota school construction fund, provide for the transfer of moneys to the fund, and make an appropriation therefor.

HB 1204 creates the South Dakota school construction fund, administered by the Department of Education, to provide zero-interest loans to school districts for building or expanding school facilities. Loans cover up to 40% of a project's cost, with repayment over 20 years at 0% interest and no collateral required. Funds are allocated 30% to districts with 4,000+ students and 70% to other districts, beginning with a $1 transfer from the general fund (replenished by loan repayments). The bill also establishes reporting requirements for the Department of Education to a legislative committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · South Dakota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 174: make an appropriation to defray the operational costs of school districts.

Senate Bill 174 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Education to help cover school districts' operational costs, such as staffing and supplies. The funds will be distributed directly to school districts based on each district's 2026 fall enrollment relative to the state's total enrollment. Districts must use the funds for day-to-day operational expenses, not capital projects, and any unspent money by June 30, 2027, will revert to the state. This bill affects all public school districts in South Dakota through their 2026 enrollment figures.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 183: modify requirements for public notice of a hearing prior to a vote to impose an excess tax levy.

SB 183 requires school districts and other taxing districts in South Dakota to provide detailed public notice at least 21 days before voting on an excess tax levy. The notice must be published online or in a local newspaper and mailed to all property owners, including specifics like the maximum excess amount, base tax limits, hearing details, estimated tax increases per $100,000 in property value, and how funds will be used. This bill directly affects property owners by giving them more time and clear information to review proposed tax increases before a vote. The key change strengthens transparency by mandating standardized, detailed notice and requiring districts to allow public comments at the hearing.

in committee · South Dakota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 206: make an appropriation to contract for a study on the length of service award programs for volunteers.

SB 206 appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to the Legislative Research Council to hire a contractor. The study will examine state and federal laws (including IRS Section 457(e) tax rules) governing length-of-service award programs for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. The contractor must submit recommendations for implementing such a program by November 30, 2026. This bill funds research only - it does not create a new program or change current law.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1003: amend provisions pertaining to the required criminal background investigation of certain school employees.

This bill updates South Dakota's background check requirements for school employees. It requires criminal background investigations for technical college instructors and student teachers during initial hiring, while allowing multi-district employees to use existing checks (within 5 years) if districts share results with written consent. School districts must report terminations due to criminal convictions to the Department of Education within 10 days. The bill exempts event referees from background checks and clarifies that districts may refuse employment for certain serious offenses like sex crimes or violence.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1019: revise provisions regarding pesticide laws.

HB 1019 removes the requirement that pesticide violations must involve "knowing" or "willful" action. This means sellers, distributors, and manufacturers could face penalties for accidental or unintentional violations of pesticide labeling, registration, or sale rules. The bill amends sections of South Dakota law that currently prohibit distributing adulterated pesticides, selling unregistered products, or mislabeling products - now eliminating the need to prove intentional wrongdoing. It directly affects agricultural businesses, retailers, and pesticide applicators who handle or sell pesticides within the state. The change simplifies enforcement by making violations occur even without evidence of intentional misconduct.

Bill results