Rhoden signs “economic opportunity” bills

March 17, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed 10 bills he says will promote economic opportunity.

“South Dakota is the freest state in the nation, and our economy is unmatched,” said Rhoden. “By signing these bills, I am ensuring that South Dakota remains Open for Opportunity and that our economy continues to grow and thrive!”

Rhoden signed the following 10 economic opportunity bills into law:

• SB 24 revises provisions relating to the promulgation of rules to set licensing and inspection fees for plumbers and related professions;
• SB 27 revises provisions relating to licensing fees for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology;
• SB 31 revises amounts for inspection fees for electrical installations;
• SB 32 revises amounts for licensing fees for the practice of accountancy;
• SB 69 revises provisions related to trusts;
• SB 88 increases the amount of exempt proceeds when a homestead is sold or divided by court order;
• SB 131 establishes an electronic system for vehicle titles;
• SB 143 modifies the composition and staffing requirements of the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission;
• HB 1232 modifies requirements relating to the operation of salons and booths and to declare an emergency; and
• HB 1245 exempts from the state sales and use tax gross receipts for certain services to a partnership.

Rhoden signed SB 131 and HB 1232 at a signing ceremony at the Alliance Center in Sioux Falls, SD, during his Open for Opportunity tour. Rhoden has signed 136 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

March 13, 2025:

Governor Larry Rhoden signed the following 19 bills into law:

• SB 15 expands the policy advisory committee for animal damage control;
• SB 25 clarifies the adoption and use of the plumbing code;
• SB 66 revises certain provisions related to capital improvements of state buildings;
• SB 76 repeals reporting and testifying requirements to the committees on health and human services regarding nursing facilities and long-term healthcare needs;
• SB 77 updates terminology related to ambulance operators;
• SB 78 authorizes a change in bullet diameter for use in taking certain animals;
• SB 80 revises provisions regarding students and trainees engaged in the practice of funeral service;
• SB 83 revise the penalty and provides treatment for the ingestion of certain controlled substances;
• SB 110 revises licensure and supervision requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants;
• SB 116 revises and repeals provisions related to street racing prohibitions and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 135 exempts a motor vehicle insurer from a certain title fee;
• SB 155 reduces the amount of net receipts of unclaimed property deposited into the general fund;
• SB 174 includes certain types of vehicles in the abandoned titling process;
• SB 179 modifies requirements for off-road vehicle dealers at special events;
• SB 193 allows an applicant to have an interpreter present during the driving portion of a driver license exam;
• HB 1094 modifies laws regarding school bus safety and provides a penalty therefor;
• HB 1192 removes the maximum fee permitted to be charged by a notary;
• HB1195 revises a provision related to the termination of parental rights of a child adjudicated abused or neglected; and
• HB 1196 updates Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to include provisions related to virtual currency and notice requirements.

Rhoden wrote a letter to the legislature on his decision to sign Senate Bill 83, and you can find that here.

Rhoden VETOED HB 1132, which would have expanded the child care assistance program beyond the low-income families that it is meant to prioritize. Governor Rhoden outlined the reasons for his VETO in a letter to the House of Representatives. You can find a copy of the letter here.

“House Bill 1132 shifts South Dakota’s child care assistance program away from its core mission,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden in the letter. “Currently, the program is designed as a safety net to help low-income families cover child care costs while they work toward self-sufficiency. This bill would give child care workers preferential treatment, by allowing them to receive this aid at a higher income level.”

The Department of Social Services has been actively implementing solutions to address the child care shortage in South Dakota, including:

• Shifted to weekly payments for child care assistance, which aligns with industry standards;
• Raised reimbursement rates by 18% to better compensate providers;
• Launched the ChildCare605 Campaign highlighting the value of child care professionals;
• Invested $115 million in stabilization grants, tuition relief, and expansion;
• Gave scholarships for free training to 130 providers, funding 47 associates degrees;
• Provided the Pathways to Professional Development career ladder to recognize child care professionals’ growth;
• Launched the Early Childhood Enrichment Resource Hub to provide tools, policies, and curriculum resources for educators;
• Gave free training and CPR certification for thousands of Early Childhood Enrichment System providers;
• Trained child care administrators on business and leadership skills; and
• Provided coaching, grants, and resources to improve program quality through Quality Recognition System.

“The Department of Social Services has been actively implementing solutions to support the child care industry and workforce. These solutions focus on sustainable approaches and do not involve expanding our state’s safety net program beyond its intended purpose,” continued Governor Rhoden. “The state’s role in promoting our child care workforce should be supporting economic development and encouraging private sector solutions – not broadening government safety nets into permanent workforce subsidies.”

Rhoden has signed 125 bills into law this legislative session and vetoed one.

March 12, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed nine bills into law, including six bills that were introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley.

The Rhoden Administration has successfully trained 100% of state employees on integrity, public trust, and a service mindset; continues to move forward on implementation of the Project BISON accounting system; has reviewed, updated, improved, and even added dozens of internal controls; and is allocating more resources to Board of Internal Controls through the budget process.

Rhoden signed the following six bills that were introduced by Jackley:

• SB 58 revises provisions related to human trafficking, prohibits the obstruction of human trafficking enforcement, and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 59 revises provisions relating to the delivery, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of unauthorized articles in a state correctional facility, and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 60 expands the access and investigatory authority of the state auditor;
• SB 61 modifies the authority of the Board of Internal Control;
• SB 62 establishes mandatory reporting requirements related to improper governmental conduct and crime, and provides a penalty therefor; and
• SB 63 establishes protections for state employees who report improper governmental conduct and crime.

Rhoden also signed the following three government accountability bills:

• SB 144 requires legislative approval for significant capital expenditures by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks;
• SB 145 requires legislative approval of real property leases that are necessary for the operation of state government and exceed specified durations or rental payments; and
• SB 146 revises provisions on interim transfers and appropriations.

Rhoden has signed 106 bills into law this legislative session.

Courtesy photo.

March 11, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed (March 12, 2025) HB 1080, a pro-Second Amendment bill, which voids covenants that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of firearms and ammunition.

Rhoden also signed the following 31 bills into law:

• HB 1001 updates a reference to the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of higher education savings plans;
• HB 1024 amends certain fees collected by the secretary of state;
• HB 1026 makes an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway, for the general maintenance and repair of other state-owned dams, and declares an emergency;
• HB 1051 updates provisions on the interim legislative oversight of administrative rulemaking;
• HB 1067 defines the term “must;”
• HB 1068 allows a student to wear certain military decorations at a school graduation ceremony and declares an emergency;
• HB 1079 increases the number of off-sale licenses from two to three in municipalities and counties of one thousand or less;
• HB 1092 makes an appropriation for a student teacher stipend grant program;
• HB 1093 modifies the permissible dates for a school district bond election;
• HB 1097 establishes and modifies provisions for the temporary training of nonresident physicians;
• HB 1100 clarifies which opinions must be included in the annual judicial opinions report prepared by the Legislative Research Council;
• HB 1129 provides for the transfer of motor vehicles and boats upon death;
• HB 1133 amends bond requirements;
• HB 1141 provides an exception for employers to acquire and distribute opioid antagonists that are available over the counter;
• HB 1157 amends the maximum fee limit due when applying for a county drainage permit;
• HB 1194 authorizes the cooperation of counties for purposes of operating an office of county director of equalization;
• HB 1265 establishes provisions related to the sharing of information with the national marrow donor program;
• SB 8 establishes certain criminal offenses for boat operators and provides penalties therefor;
• SB 34 updates the roles of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Safety regarding burning and burn permit issuing authority;
• SB 37 revises and repeals provisions related to the 911 emergency surcharge and the 911 Coordination Board;
• SB 44 modifies tax refunds for elderly persons and persons with a disability, makes an appropriation therefor, and declares an emergency;
• SB 46 specifies the funds into which certain boat fees are deposited;
• SB 52 authorizes the expansion of the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery, makes an appropriation therefor, and declares an emergency;
• SB 79 permits the operation of a Class I electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail;
• SB 99 makes an appropriation for purchasing, storing, and distributing sexual assault kits;
• SB 123 revises provisions related to forensic medical examinations;
• SB 140 revises a provision related to the reimbursement of expenses incurred by a county in detaining a parolee;
• SB 154 prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers from interfering in contracts between 340B entities and pharmacies and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 167 revises certain provisions pertaining to municipal government;
• SB 170 authorizes the South Dakota State Brand Board to enter a memorandum of understanding with any Indian tribe for the investigation of cattle theft; and
• SB 219 requires the acceptance of a cash payment for admission to a school-affiliated event.

Rhoden has signed 97 bills into law this legislative session.

March 10, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed SB 28 into law. The bill revises provisions relating to licensing fees and license renewal dates for the practice of barbering and declares an emergency.

Rhoden has signed 65 bills into law this legislative session

March 6, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB 1044 (March 6, 2025), which authorizes the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn. This legislation creates a new option for mothers to surrender infants under South Dakota’s “Safe Harbor” law.

“House Bill 1044 will save lives. These baby boxes have saved lives in other states,” said Rhoden.

Under HB 1044, an emergency services provider or a licensed child placement agency may install and maintain a newborn safety device on its premises, if the premises are staffed 24/7, and if the device meets certain safety standards.

“Baby Gabriel” was a full-term baby found abandoned and deceased at a recycling center in Sioux Falls last August. “Hopefully with these baby boxes, there will be fewer ‘Baby Gabriels’ and more babies in loving homes,” continued Rhoden.

Rhoden also signed the following five bills into law:

• SB 93 prohibits payment or rebate of insurance deductibles by contractors providing motor vehicle repair services;
• SB 111 permits a court to order family therapy or reunification therapy in a custody or visitation dispute;
• HB 1099 modifies the community paramedic endorsement;
• HB 1144 adopts the dietitian licensure compact; and
• HB 1189 extends by two years the date on which moneys appropriated to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in 2021 for marketing, route restoration, business development, and air service marketing will revert to the general fund.

Rhoden has signed 64 bills into law this legislative session.

March 5, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed the following six bills into law:

• SB 65 provides for the sale of certain real estate located in Pennington County and provides for the deposit of the proceeds;
• SB 71 revises provisions pertaining to the compulsory age for school attendance;
• SB 109 permits a school district to implement a new or revised section 504 plan, individualized family service plan, or individualized education program for a student who is the child of an active-duty member of the United States armed forces;
• HB 1057 transfers moneys from the South Dakota-bred racing fund to the special racing revolving fund;
• HB 1063 revises the provisions for preparing a fiscal note for ballot questions; and
• HB 1173 eliminates the cap on assessment amounts for road improvements.

Rhoden has signed 57 bills into law this legislative session.

March 3, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed the following six bills into law:

• SB 72 revises the payor of autopsy costs in certain circumstances;
• SB 84 extends the timeframe for filling a vacancy in a board of county commissioners;
• SB 97 allows the governing body of a municipality to change the use of municipally owned parkland by ordinance;
• HB 1042 makes an appropriation for the construction of historical exhibits at the Cultural Heritage Center;
• HB 1095 extends the area in which a director for an irrigation district may reside; and
• HB 1160 waives the driver license renewal period for members of the military and their families, and employees of the state department.

Rhoden has signed 51 bills into law this legislative session.

February 27, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB 1053, which requires age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors and provides a penalty therefor.

“As parents, we just want to protect our kids. But technology moves so fast that it often seems impossible,” said Rhoden. “I signed a bill to require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors. I will continue to find ways to keep South Dakota safe for our kids.”

A private signing ceremony was held this morning and included prime sponsors of the bill.

Rhoden also signed HB 1118, which prohibits the award or use of state moneys for the research, production, promotion, sale, or distribution of cell-cultured protein.

Rhoden has signed 45 bills into law this legislative session.

Courtesy photo.

February 25, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed the following eight bills into law:

• SB 33 makes appropriations for water and environmental purposes and declares an emergency;
• SB 47 clarifies eligibility for licensure as a video lottery operator;
• HB 1047 makes an appropriation to reimburse health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for rural recruitment assistance programs and declares an emergency;
• HB 1056 prohibits the preparation, sale, and distribution of certain kratom products and provides a penalty therefor;
• HB 1072 modernizes provisions relating to water development districts;
• HB 1074 modifies the individuals eligible to sign an affidavit of homelessness for purposes of obtaining a free copy of a birth certificate;
• HB 1075 modifies the persons eligible to sign an affidavit for proof of homelessness for purposes of waiving the fee for a nondriver identification card; and
• HB 1125 creates a share the road bicyclist safety emblem for use on an emblem specialty plate.

Rhoden has signed 43 bills into law this legislative session.

February 24, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed SB 81, which prohibits the use of a firearms code for transactions involving firearms, accessories, components, and ammunition and to provide a civil penalty therefor.

“I am proud to protect our Second Amendment rights with the signing of this bill,” said Rhoden. “South Dakota has seen strong growth of our firearm industry, and this bill will help that continue. I am grateful that both the bankers and the firearm industry came together on this issue.”

A private signing ceremony was held Monday (Feb. 24, 2025) and included representatives from South Dakota’s growing firearms industry, South Dakota’s banking industry, the National Rifle Association, and prime sponsors of the bill.

Rhoden has signed 35 bills into law this legislative session.

Courtesy photo.

February 18, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed 13 more bills into law. They are: 

• SB 12 limits the amount of money that may be loaned to a candidate or political committee; 
• SB 29 amends provisions regarding the Division of Insurance and the former Division of Securities operating fund; 
• SB 35 modifies substances listed on the controlled substances schedule and to declare an emergency; 
• HB 1002 requires that all certified educators take a course in South Dakota Indian Studies; 
• HB 1003 amends definitions pertaining to the school funding formula; 
• HB 1004 provides tuition for a student who is placed in a residential treatment center that provides educational programming; 
• HB 1014 modifies provisions related to emergency medical services personnel and to declare an emergency; 
• HB 1027 repeals obsolete provisions pertaining to noncollecting retailers; 
• HB 1028 revises certain references to the Internal Revenue Code; 
• HB 1029 updates provisions of the South Dakota Retirement System; 
• HB 1030 updates the South Dakota Retirement System’s member information protection provisions; 
• HB 1031 updates the South Dakota Retirement System member identity verification procedures; and 
• HB 1032 updates a reference to the Internal Revenue Code in South Dakota Retirement System statutes. 

Rhoden has signed 34 bills into law this legislative session.

February 14, 2025:

Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB 1034, which makes an appropriation for costs related to the suppression of wildfires impacting the state and to declare an emergency. He also signed the following four bills into law: 

• SB 17 clarifies when a political committee must file certain campaign finance disclosure statements; 
• SB 42 clarifies the wholesale purchase price of tobacco products; 
• SB 43 establish a timeframe within which a remote seller and marketplace provider must register and remit sales tax; and 
• HB 1033 make an appropriation for costs related to emergencies and disasters impacting the state and to declare an emergency. 

Rhoden has signed 21 bills into law this legislative session.

February 12, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed (Feb. 12, 2025) SB 74, which requires the publication and review of an explanation of the open meeting laws of this state. 

 “This bill will help ensure our public servants are educated about their important duties of service on public boards, commissions, or councils. I will continue to set an example from the top of integrity and openness in public service,” said Rhoden. 

 Rhoden has signed 16 bills into law this legislative session. 

February 10, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed the following 14 bills into law Monday (Feb. 10, 2025): 

·         SB 1 updates references to certain federal motor carrier regulations; 

·         SB 2 increases civil penalties for commercial driver violations; 

·         SB 5 permits a sheriff to charge a fee for service of process, whether service is completed or not; 

·         SB 10 shortens the time before records of a Governor or a lieutenant governor are opened to the public; 

·         SB 13 clarifies the enactment and effective date of a measure initiated or referred within a political subdivision; 

·         SB 30 removes outdated provisions within the insurance code; 

·         SB 36 repeals the oath requirement for an application for a lodging establishment, campground, food service establishment, or mobile food service establishment license; 

·         SB 38 modifies requirements for a vehicle approaching a vehicle that is stopped or occupying the shoulder of the highway with warning lights flashing; 

·         SB 39 revises the description of highways included in the state trunk highway system; 

·         SB 40 revises Department of Transportation regulatory authority regarding aeronautics; 

·         SB 41 clarifies the minimum age requirements for a hunting license; 

·         HB 1011 revises provisions related to the stenographic recording of certain proceedings; 

·         HB 1022 prohibits the misbranding of any cell-cultured protein product; and 

·         HB 1049 updates the official code of laws. 

Rhoden has signed 15 bills into law this legislative session.

February 7, 2025, update:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed his first bill into law.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 7, which applies to illegal immigration, during a brief ceremony on Friday (Feb. 7, 2025).

Rhoden said the bill “reiterates South Dakota’s respect for the rule of law.”

Not only was the bill a nod of support to the Trump Administration, but Rhoden says it’s also a nod of support for his predecessor, Kristi Noem, who now leads the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The bill bans sanctuary cities in the state and provides protections for law enforcement officers carrying out immigration enforcement actions.

Rhoden said, “Our state has been negatively impacted by the unlawful and uncontrolled illegal immigration. Thankfully, President Trump is putting a stop to that. This bill is a step in the right direction towards keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”

February 7, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden will sign his first bill into law this morning (Feb. 7, 2025).

Rhoden will sign Senate Bill 7, which bans sanctuary cities in the state. He’ll sign the bill during a ceremony in his office at 9am CT.

You can watch via livestream at facebook.com/GovLarryRhoden.