Health and Human Services

SB 89 requires all South Dakota counties and municipalities to ensure a minimum level of emergency medical services (including response times, staffing, and treatment protocols) are available within their boundaries for prehospital care. It directs the state health department to create rules defining these minimum standards, covering aspects like ambulance response and required personnel. The bill also establishes a legislative task force to study funding mechanisms for these services and report recommendations by November 2026. The law would take effect on July 1, 2028, impacting local governments responsible for emergency medical service provision.

HB 1148 adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing respiratory therapists licensed in South Dakota to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill also requires respiratory care practitioners to undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints as part of their South Dakota licensure application. This compact aims to increase access to respiratory therapy services, support military families by easing relocation for therapists, and address workforce shortages through streamlined interstate practice. It preserves each state’s authority to regulate licensure and protect public health while creating a standardized process for therapists moving across state lines.

SB 15 creates the Developmental Disability Services Oversight Committee to examine and monitor South Dakota's Medicaid waiver programs providing home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The committee, composed of nine legislative members including committee chairs and appointed representatives, will review program operations, hear testimony from the Department of Human Services, and gather feedback from affected individuals, families, and service providers. It must annually report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Research Council by November 1 to improve service efficiency and operations. This bill directly affects individuals receiving waiver services, their families, community support providers, and the Department of Human Services. The committee's role is strictly advisory and oversight-focused, not policy-making.

HB 1220 regulates the retail sale of nicotine products in South Dakota by requiring retailers to obtain a $1,000 license for each business location. It bans sales to anyone under 21, prohibits sales through vending machines, online, by phone, or in-person at locations within 1,000 feet of schools (with exceptions for pre-July 1, 2026, stores), and forbids free samples. Retailers must display age restriction signs and maintain sales records. The bill defines "nicotine products" broadly to include nicotine analogs (unless FDA-approved) and directly affects stores selling e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and similar items.

This bill requires South Dakota public schools to teach prenatal human growth and development in health or science classes using specific materials. It mandates that schools use resources recommended by the state Board of Education, including at least three minutes of high-definition ultrasound videos showing organ development or computer-generated animations of prenatal growth from fertilization to birth. The law prohibits using any materials from entities that perform, promote, or refer to abortion services. This directly affects K-12 public school curricula in South Dakota, altering required health/science content.