Noem signs bill prohibiting state and local governments from doing business with six “evil” nations

MARCH 23, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed (March 23, 2023) 13 more bills passed during the 2023 Legislative Session into law.

• SB 1 – Modifies debilitating medical conditions for cannabis use;
• SB 35 – Makes an appropriation to expand laboratory space at the Sanford Underground Research Facility;
• SB 118 – Expands eligibility for certain teachers who receive reduced tuition at Board of Regents institutions;
• SB 120 – Increases an amount of property value owned by a local industrial development corporation that is exempt from taxation;
• SB 141 – Clarifies and modernizes cremation requirements and procedures;
• SB 159 – Revises provisions regarding vehicle warranty claims;
• SB 180 – Addresses requirements for the execution of a living will;
• SB 181 – Authorizes the provision of medical records and the imposition of related fees;
• HB 1055 – Increases the dollar amount of South Dakota opportunity scholarships;
• HB 1108 – Revises provisions related to abandoned mobile or manufactured homes;
• HB 1176 – Revises certain provision regarding on-sale alcoholic beverage licenses for use at municipality-owned facilities;
• HB 1231 – Revises certain provisions related to the sealing of adoption records; and,
• HB 1240 – Amends provisions addressing guardianship and conservatorship.

Noem has signed 209 bills into law and vetoed five this legislative session. No further bills are awaiting executive action by the governor.

MARCH 23, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed 12 more bills passed during the 2023 Legislative Session into law.

SB 75 requires all pregnancy expenses to be paid for by both parents.

Noem also signed the following 11 bills:

• SB 67 – Revises provisions related to emergency and involuntary commitment for alcohol and drug abuse;
• SB 89 – Increases the daily maximum award for the alternative care program administered by the Unified Judicial System;
• SB 172 – Makes an appropriation for the design costs related to the health services center at Black Hills State University-Rapid City;
• HB 1022 – Makes an appropriation for increased costs related to the construction of the new state public health laboratory;
• HB 1053 – Prohibits the issuance of a written certification to a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother for purposes of medical cannabis use;
• HB 1078 – Makes an appropriation to the Department of Human Services for the development and expansion of adult day services programs;
• HB 1079 – Makes an appropriation to the Department of Health to provide grants to support mental health and suicide prevention programs;
• HB 1135 – Provides for transparency in the pricing of prescription drugs;
• HB 1154 – Modifies acceptable conduct for practitioners related to medical cannabis;
• HB 1155 – Adds dental practices as eligible factors to participate in rural health care recruitment assistance program; and,
• HB 1174 – Provides for appropriate civil commitment of certain persons.

Noem has signed 196 bills into law and vetoed 5 this legislative session.

MARCH 22, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 189 into law at the 114^th Fighter Wing at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls. The bill restricts state and local governments from contracting with six “Evil Foreign Governments.”

This bill codifies Noem’s Executive Order 2023-02 by restricting state and local governments from contracting with the following “Evil Foreign Governments:” the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Noem has signed 184 bills into law and vetoed four this legislative session.

Courtesy photo.

MARCH 22, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed 12 election-related bills into law. Noem signed some of the election bills alongside Secretary of State Monae Johnson.

The election bills include:

• SB 55 – Prohibits ranked-choice voting;
• SB 113 – Establishes and modifies provisions related to initiated petitions;
• SB 139 – Revises residency requirements for the purposes of voter registration;
• SB 140 – Revises certain provisions relating to voter registration;
• SB 160 – Establishes post-election audits;
• SB 161 – Makes an appropriation to the Office of the Secretary of State for voter roll maintenance, ballot machines, and election security;
• SB 207 – Provides a penalty for the expenditure of public funds to influence the outcome of an election;
• HB 1123 – Authorizes school boards to modify the length of terms for members to allow for holding joint elections;
• HB 1124 – Modifies provisions pertaining to the testing of automatic tabulating equipment;
• HB 1140 – Requires the secretary of state to determine if a legislatively proposed constitutional amendment complies with the single subject requirement and is not a constitutional revision;
• HB 1148 – Clarifies registration and residence requirements for voting at a township meeting; and,
• HB 1165 – Modifies certain provisions pertaining to absentee voting.

Noem has signed 183 bills into law and vetoed four this legislative session.

MARCH 21, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed HB 1137 to give South Dakotans a tax holiday. She wrote a signing letter to the legislature, which can be found here.

“The people of South Dakota deserve relief from burdensome regulations and inflation inflicted by the federal government,” Noem wrote in her letter. “While our state enjoys the strongest economy in the nation, the lowest unemployment, and unprecedented economic growth, we also recognize that these blessings are a result of embracing liberty and personal responsibility.”

Freedom generated these historic revenues, and the people should have the Freedom to spend their own money without government intervention.

“Our people deserve permanent tax relief. The legislature has instead offered them a tax holiday for four years,” continued Noem. “It is clear they wish to raise taxes again in the near future, and the method through which they have written this legislation allows them to do so without ever having to take another vote.”

Public sentiment has shown that South Dakotans want a permanent tax cut – and that is what they deserve.

“While this legislation is not ideal or the best way to help the people of South Dakota, I recognize that the legislature has chosen this path, and some help, albeit temporary, for our people is better than none at all. Public sentiment has shown that South Dakotans want a permanent tax cut. The legislature has failed in that regard, but I promise to continue to work with them in the future to do what is right for our state … Here, my honor and good sense require me to continue to fight for the permanent tax cut the people have earned,” concluded Noem.

Governor Noem has signed 171 bills into law and vetoed four this legislative session.

Courtesy photo.

MARCH 20, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed SB 210 into law. She sent a signing letter to legislators. That letter can be found here or below.

This budget for Fiscal Year 2024 will fund important South Dakota needs including K-12 education, healthcare providers and state employees. It also includes funding for the operation of regional behavioral health centers, 100% tuition assistance for our National Guard soldiers, and targeted increases for our state employee workforce and community service providers.

Noem also signed the following three budget bills into law:

• SB 16 – Makes an appropriation to rehabilitate the rail line from the city of Milbank to the city of Sisseton;
• SB 24 – Revises property tax levies for school districts and revises the state aid to general and special education formulas; and,
• HB 1049 – Revises the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2023.

“I appreciate the work of my BFM Commissioner Jim Terwilliger and the BFM team on this budget,” said Noem, “and I appreciate the legislature for recognizing that it should fund my administration’s priorities to maximize freedom and liberty for the people of the state.”

Noem also signed HB 1016, which funds $60 million for construction of a new women’s prison in Rapid City. She also signed HB 1017, which funds $52 million for the purchase of land and design costs for a new men’s prison near Sioux Falls. The legislation also transfers more than $270 million to the Incarceration Construction Fund for future construction of the men’s prison.

When including the budget bills signed earlier, South Dakota is investing $391 million in the state’s prison system this legislative session.

Noem also signed the following 10 criminal justice bills into law:

• SB 4 – Modifies a court’s authority to commit a habitual juvenile offender to the Department of Corrections;
• SB 51 – Revises certain provisions regarding the reimbursement of county expenses in detaining parole violators;
• SB 53 – Exempts records regarding jail inmate disciplinary matters from public inspection and copying;
• SB 64 – Repeals provisions related to the jail mental health screening pilot program and oversight council;
• SB 70 – Revises provisions related to courtroom modifications for child witnesses;
• SB 90 – Provides certain definitions related to the crime of rape;
• SB 91 – Revises certain provisions regarding the crime of rape and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 146 – Limits parole for violent offenders;
• SB 168 – Authorizes a board of a school district to adopt policies regarding students who are registered sex offenders; and,
• HB 1170 – Establishes mandatory sentences for certain driving while under the influence violations.

Noem has signed 170 bills into law and vetoed four this legislative session.

MARCH 17, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed (March 17, 2023) six workforce bills– passed during this year’s legislative session– into law:

The six workforce bills that Governor Noem signed include:

• SB 59 – Makes an appropriation to the Department of Education for grants to support career and technical education programs;
• SB 173 – Makes an appropriation for design costs related to the new Lincoln Hall at Northern State University;
• HB 1059 – Establishes a community paramedic endorsement;
• HB 1153 – Updates travel expenses, moving expenses, and other reimbursements;
• HB 1183 – Authorizes the state’s participation in the interstate compact on occupational therapy licensure; and,
• HB 1185 – Prohibits certain restrictions in employment contracts.

Earlier this legislative session, Noem signed SB 76 into law, which enhanced workforce freedom by recognizing out-of-state licenses for nearly every profession.

Noem has signed 154 bills into law and vetoed four this legislative session.

MARCH 17, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed the following bills relating to veterans, firefighters and fire safety into law.

• HB 1045 – Increases the basic salary schedule for county veterans’ service officers; and,
• HB 1065 – Increases the maximum amount of dollars payable by the state to erect the headstone of a deceased veteran.
• HB 1023 – Makes an appropriation for the construction of a maintenance shop for the Wildland Fire Suppression Division in Rapid City;
• HB 1024 – Makes an appropriation for the construction of a maintenance shop for the Wildland Fire Suppression Division in Hot Springs; and,
• HB 1127 – Makes an appropriation to support volunteer fire departments.

Governor Noem has signed 148 bills into law and vetoed four this legislative session.

MARCH 15, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed HB 1090. The law is designed to protect South Dakota agriculture operations from frivolous lawsuits that can delay development and increase costs for producers.

Noem also signed the following appropriations bills into law– each of which were included in Noem’s proposed budget:

• SB 17 – Makes appropriations for water and environmental purposes;
• SB 21 – Makes an appropriation for costs related to the Black Hills National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan revision process;
• HB 1021 – Makes an appropriation to the State Conservation Commission; and,
• HB 1030 – Makes an appropriation for the revised construction costs of the bioproducts facility in Brookings.

Noem has signed 142 bills into law and vetoed 4 this legislative session.

MARCH 15, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed a bill (HB 1175) updating references to the governor, lieutenant governor and other officials making them gender neutral terms in state statute.

Noem says the bill fixes our laws and the South Dakota Constitution so that they reflect the fact that women and men can both attain offices such as governor.

Noem also signed the following 10 bills into law:

• SB 23 – Makes an appropriation for the modernization of the state’s enterprise resource planning systems;
• SB 69 – Modifies the composition of the State-Tribal Relations Committee;
• SB 134 – Revises membership of the Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee;
• SB 145 – Revises provisions pertaining to township eligibility for the rural access infrastructure fund;
• SB 174 – Prohibits the enactment or implementation of an ordinance, resolution, or policy that prohibits the use of an energy utility service;
• HB 1008 – Revises provisions relating to actuarial terminology used by the South Dakota Retirement System;
• HB 1035 – Makes an appropriation to the Department of Revenue for the modernization of the motor vehicle administration system;
• HB 1042 – Updates additional charges allowed for mailing decals and plates;
• HB 1220 – Provides that a female who undergoes an unlawful abortion may not be held criminally liable; and,
• HB 1239 – Prohibits a ban of fuel gas appliances used by consumers.

Governor Noem has signed 137 bills into law and vetoed 4 this legislative session.

MARCH 10, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed (March 9, 2023) the following 21 bills– passed during this year’s legislative session– into law:

• SB 8 revises provisions relating to addiction and prevention services professionals;
• SB 18 revises the appropriation for the Dakota Events CompleX (DEX) at the South Dakota State Fair;
• SB 33 amends an appropriation for the revised construction costs of the Mineral Industries Building at the School of Mines and Technology;
• SB 42 modifies power of attorney requirements for certain vehicle transfer authorizations;
• SB 103 creates a pilot program in the Unified Judicial System for risk and lethality assessments for certain persons accused of assault or protection order violations;
• SB 115 revises certain provisions regarding consideration of out-of-state convictions for driving under the influence;
• SB 176 modifies certain requirements for removal from the sex offender registry; and,
• HB 1196 makes an appropriation for improving the buildings and ground of the capitol complex.

Governor Noem has signed 126 bills into law and vetoed 3 this legislative session.

MARCH 9, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed (March 8, 2023) the following 21 bills– passed during this year’s legislative session– into law:

• SB 5 extends the termination date of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council and modifies its membership requirements;
• SB 6 authorizes community response teams to recommend alternative community-based resources for children alleged to be delinquent and children alleged to be in need of supervision prior to adjudication;
• SB 50 revises the crime of witness tampering;
• SB 72 revises provisions related to the discharge of a defendant restored to competency;
• SB 78 creates the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy and makes an appropriation therefor;
• SB 81 repeals outdated sections regarding enhanced concealed carry permit requirements;
• SB 86 requires candidates for party precinct committeeman or committeewoman to include an email address and phone number in the written statement submitted to the county auditor;
• SB 132 revises the appointment of legislators to the Agricultural Land Assessment Implementation and Oversight Advisory Task Force;
• SB 182 establishes a uniform method for calculating high school credit received from completing postsecondary courses;
• SB 198 allows medical cannabis establishments to maintain certain cardholder data;
• SB 204 expands critical incident stress management to health care facility personnel providing emergency services;
• HB 1006 increases the funding for construction of an addition to the Kinsman Building in Pierre and makes an appropriation therefor;
• HB 1007 adds emergency medical services personnel to Class B public safety membership of the South Dakota Retirement System;
• HB 1009 updates and clarifies certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System;
• HB 1032 makes an appropriation for the demolition and reconstruction of the agricultural-use structures at the South Dakota State University;
• HB 1056 modifies the limit of consecutive terms for members of the Board of Technical Education;
• HB 1114 revises the qualifications to be a member of a county recount board;
• HB 1162 authorizes employers to acquire and make available opioid antagonists;
• HB 1189 requires certain entities owning agricultural land to report foreign beneficial ownership interests;
• HB 1191 clarifies the duties of truancy officers; and,
• HB 1215 revises certain provisions regarding the operation of a golf cart on a state or county highway.

Governor Noem has signed 118 bills into law and vetoed 1 this legislative session.

MARCH 7, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed (March 6, 2023) the following 19 bills– passed during this year’s legislative session– into law:

• SB 20 authorizes the awarding of deobligated grants in accordance with policies of the Board of Water and Natural Resources;
• SB 46 enhances the penalty for petition circulation perjury;
• SB 48 enhances the penalty for attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer;
• SB 52 updates certain provisions regarding the Department of Corrections and the authority of the Secretary of Corrections;
• SB 62 amends provisions regarding delivery of electronic insurance documents;
• SB 102 requires the continued maintenance of the official list of candidates prior to an election;
• SB 143 raises the revenue threshold for a required audit of a water development district;
• SB 147 changes provisions regarding the appointment of legislators to represent South Dakota in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement;
• SB 179 revises provisions related to the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority;
• SB 188 adds a provision related to the use of a designated refrigerant;
• SB 200 authorizes participation in contracts by certain board members and employees of water districts;
• HB 1029 revises certain provisions regarding the county zoning and appeals process;
• HB 1112 modifies provisions for a statewide runoff election;
• HB 1121 expands the definition of a pesticide dealer;
• HB 1132 revises provisions regarding the duties of the medical marijuana oversight committee;
• HB 1147 provides for the organization of townships or fractions of townships;
• HB 1150 provides a medical cannabis patient a registry identification card fee waiver in certain circumstances;
• HB 1158 bans counterfeit airbags; and,
• HB 1210 modifies the use of conservation district special revenue fund monies and provides an appropriation therefor.

Governor Noem has signed 97 bills into law and vetoed 1 this legislative session.

MARCH 2, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed the following 5 bills– passed during this year’s legislative session– into law:

• SB 19 makes an appropriation for the payment of extraordinary litigation expenses;
• SB 25 makes an appropriation to reimburse health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for health care recruitment assistance programs and declares;
• SB 150 adds provisions regarding construction and maintenance of livestock pipelines on highways;
• HB 1046 provides free tuition at Board of Technical Education institutions for children or spouses of members of the South Dakota National Guard disabled or deceased in the line of duty; and,
• HB 1184 revises provisions related to the One-Call Notification Board.

Noem has signed 78 bills into law and vetoed 1 this legislative session.

FEBRUARY 27, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed 12 more bills from the 2023 Legislative Session into law:

• SB 31 creates an off-road vehicle decal for non-residents visiting the state;
• SB 34 authorizes the sale of real property in Lake County by the Board of Regents;
• SB 61 revises driver’s license suspensions for restricted permit holders over the age of sixteen;
• SB 77 reinstates the restricted real estate broker’s license for auctioneers and revises real estate licensing;
• SB 83 revises provisions regarding water development districts;
• SB 84 authorizes compensation for water project district directors;
• SB 88 amends a provision allowing municipalities to jointly license and regulate intercity services;
• SB 92 requires that certain operations obtain their own general or individual water pollution permits;
• SB 93 provides an increased appropriation for the construction costs of an athletics event center at Dakota State University;
• SB 95, amends provisions regarding trusts;
• SB 162 revises public meeting requirements; and,
• HB 1054 provides a stipend for the erection of a private headstone for a deceased veteran.

Noem has signed 67 bills into law this legislative session.

FEBRUARY 23, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Noem has signed 21 more bills from the 2023 Legislative Session into law:

• SB 9 modifies discharge notice procedures applicable to developmentally disabled persons;
• SB 10 expands certification options for interpreters for The Committee on Health and Human Services at the request of the Department of Human Services;
• SB 11 updates the deposit threshold for actions related to general rate cases;
• SB 12 authorizes the construction of a National Guard Vehicle maintenance shop in Watertown, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency;
• SB 13 authorizes the construction of an addition to the BG Dean Mann Readiness Center in Sioux Falls, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency;
• SB 14 revises the legal description for the construction of a National Guard Readiness Center in Sioux Falls, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency;
• SB 15 accepts Uniformed Services ID as proof of veteran status to have veteran designation added to a state license or ID card;
• SB 37 revises provision pertaining to the South Dakota School for the Deaf;
• SB 71 authorizes other fuel taxes to be included in the state’s International Fuel Tax Agreement collections;
• SB 73 excludes township-owned self-propelled machinery, equipment, and vehicles from fuel excise tax;
• SB 85 revises rebating provisions in the insurance code;

• HB 1038 revises certain provision pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs and residency in the State Veterans Home;
• HB 1041 provides an exception to the definition of drug paraphernalia;
• HB 1047 revises certain provisions regarding military affairs;
• HB 1048 repeals and makes technical changes to provisions regarding the Board of Military Affairs;
• HB 1057 allows for the appointment of county coroner by all counties;
• HB 1060 modifies provisions related to procurement for the state and other purchasing agencies;
• HB 1064 requires the Unified Judicial System to assemble a task force to address the provision of legal services to indigent parties within the South Dakota court system and to declare an emergency;
• HB 1088 updates requirements for an insurance company seeking to do business in this state;
• HB 1091 amends provisions of the insurance statutes regarding producer recommendations and responsibilities; and,
• HB 1101 ensures the proper labeling of American Indian arts and crafts.

Governor Noem has signed 55 bills into law this legislative session.

FEBRUARY 10, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed 26 more bills passed by the 2023 state legislature into law:

• SB 7, clarifies emergency commitments of severely mentally ill persons by appropriate regional facilities;
• SB 27, places certain substances on the controlled substance schedule and to declare an emergency;
• SB 28, revises and repeals obsolete provisions related to the Department of Social Services;
• SB 30, revises the criteria for remote sellers who must remit sales tax;
• SB 58, which clarifies that the special amusement excise tax applies to the sale of amusement devices;
• HB 1002, updates the official code of laws;
• HB 1003, repeals provisions requiring prison or jail cost estimates to declare an emergency;
• HB 1004, updates the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of higher education savings plans;
• HB 1005, updates certain citations to federal regulation regarding pipeline safety inspections;
• HB 1010, repeals the sunset date for provisions related to the licensure of behavior analysts;
• HB 1012, repeals the annual grievance reporting requirements for health carriers;
• HB 1013, updates references to certain federal motor carrier regulations;
• HB 1014, updates provisions related to the licensure of speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants;
• HB 1015, updates provisions related to the licensure of funeral services;
• HB 1018, repeals the authorized forfeiture of property used in the illegal capture of fish;
• HB 1019, repeals certain requirements for Game, Fish, and Parks licensing agents;
• HB 1025, revises the fees for registration of an apiary;
• HB 1026, makes an appropriation for costs related to suppression of wildfires in the state and to declare an emergency;
• HB 1027, makes an appropriation for costs related to disasters in the state and to declare an emergency;
• HB 1028, modifies expiration dates and enforcement actions pertaining to pesticide applicator licenses;
• HB 1033, provides for the uniform administration of tobacco products taxes;
• HB 1034, modifies tax refunds for elderly persons and persons with a disability, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency;
• HB 1036, increases civil penalties for commercial driver’s license holders and motor carriers;
• HB 1062, clarifies the convening of recount boards for primary elections;
• HB 1063, requires the Unified Judicial System to assemble a task force to address barriers to services for emerging adults involved in the justice system; and,
• HB 1071, establishes use of force course standards.

Noem has signed 33 bills into law this legislative session.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed a few more bills passed during the 2023 Legislative Session into law.

Yesterday (Feb. 1, 2023), Noem signed SB 2, which revises Department of Corrections reporting requirements concerning abuse and neglect of individuals in private contracted facilities. Today, she signed the following four bills into law:

• SB 22, which streamlines examination reports;
• SB 26, which transfers a property tax relief program, changes income requirements for certain property tax relief programs, and indexes certain income schedules to inflation;
• SB 29, which revises certain references to the Internal Revenue Code; and,
• SB 43, which revises certain provisions regarding money transmission.

Noem has signed seven bills into law this legislative session.