SB 44 allows South Dakota's Attorney General to obtain business records from internet and telecom providers during criminal investigations of internet crimes against children or human trafficking. It requires judicial approval based on "reasonable cause" before issuing subpoenas for specific records like IP addresses, account details, and device information. Hughes County judges have statewide authority to approve these subpoenas, which cannot notify account holders, and obtained records must be used solely for law enforcement with privacy safeguards. The bill directly affects providers (including internet and telecom companies) by mandating compliance with court-ordered requests for targeted data.
HB 1200 appropriates $8 million from South Dakota's general fund to the Department of Public Safety for grants to nonprofit organizations providing specific victim services. It directly supports nonprofits focused on helping children abused or neglected, domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims, or victims of commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking. The bill allows grant funds to cover 24/7 emergency services, counseling, crisis lines, case management, sexual assault nurse examiner training, and child advocacy center services - excluding new programs or legal aid. Nonprofits must apply annually between July 1 and August 31, report on services delivered, and prioritize organizations seeking additional funding. The appropriation becomes effective June 30, 2026.
HB 1108 allows courts to immediately seal court files when protection order petitions are dismissed, either initially or after a hearing. This applies directly to individuals whose protection order cases (covered under South Dakota statutes §22-19A-8 and §25-10-3) are dismissed by a judge. The key provision requires courts to grant sealing of the entire court file upon dismissal, rather than requiring additional steps or waiting periods. This change provides a streamlined process for removing sensitive court records from public view in dismissed cases. The bill affects anyone involved in a dismissed protection order case, focusing on expediting privacy protections.
SB 179 allows South Dakota courts to commit juveniles adjudicated delinquent for specific weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections, but only under strict conditions. It applies when no other viable alternative exists, corrections is the least restrictive option, and the juvenile was convicted of certain weapons offenses (like those under §22-14-5, 22-14-7, 22-14-20, or 23-7-44). The court must also find the juvenile poses a significant risk of physical harm, has prior adjudications for separate offenses, or meets specific high-risk re-offense criteria. This change modifies existing juvenile disposition options under §26-8C-7, adding a limited pathway to corrections for serious weapons cases. It directly affects juveniles convicted of these specific weapons offenses who meet all the enumerated conditions.
HB 1238 allows South Dakota financial institutions to delay or block specific transactions when they reasonably suspect financial exploitation of consenting adults aged 65+ (seniors) or adults aged 18+ with mental impairments or court-appointed guardians (vulnerable adults). The law permits banks to refuse transfers, withdrawals, ownership changes, beneficiary updates, or power-of-attorney instructions if exploitation is suspected. Financial institutions are protected from liability for acting under this law, though they are not required to intervene - decisions are based on available information. This directly affects banks and the vulnerable adults they serve by providing a legal framework to prevent financial abuse.
This bill amends South Dakota law (§ 22-19B-4) to upgrade penalties for preventing someone from practicing their religion through threats or violence. Currently a Class 1 misdemeanor, the offense would become a Class 6 felony under this bill. It directly affects individuals who use intimidation or force to stop others from engaging in legally protected religious activities. The key change is reclassifying the penalty level in the statute, increasing the legal consequences for such conduct.
HB 1162 adds 59 specific substances - including synthetic opioids like "W-18" and "butonitazene," as well as compounds such as "methiopropamine" - to South Dakota's Schedule I controlled substances list. This means these substances are now classified as having no medical use and a high potential for abuse under state law. The bill directly affects anyone in South Dakota who possesses, distributes, or uses these listed substances, making such actions illegal without specific exemptions. The key mechanism is the explicit inclusion of these chemical compounds (including isomers and salts) into Schedule I, closing potential legal gaps for enforcement.
SB 220 directs South Dakota's Department of Corrections to conduct a study evaluating juvenile correctional and residential facilities. The study must examine best practices, therapeutic housing models, vocational training combined with mental health services, and staff-to-youth ratios, including inspections at three facilities outside South Dakota. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to cover study costs and requires a written report to the Legislative Research Council by September 1, 2026. This is a procedural study bill with no direct policy changes or new requirements for facilities, solely aimed at gathering information for future decisions.
HB 1086 appropriates $2.7 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Corrections for a grant to a nonprofit organization. The nonprofit must provide trauma-informed programming - including leadership development and skills training - to both offenders and correctional staff at three specific state prisons: South Dakota State Penitentiary, Mike Durfee State Prison, and South Dakota Women's Prison. To qualify, the nonprofit must currently operate such programming at a state facility and plan to serve all three prisons, as verified by the Department of Corrections. Unspent funds by June 30, 2031, will revert to the state treasury.
HB 1151 bans kratom and kratom products in South Dakota, making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to sell, distribute, purchase, consume, or possess them. It specifically prohibits sales or use by anyone under 21 (except by parents/guardians), and requires strict labeling for products that remain legal, including serving sizes, alkaloid content, and health warnings. The bill also prohibits products containing over 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic compounds, or harmful additives. This directly affects consumers, businesses selling kratom, and retailers who must comply with new labeling rules.
