Rhoden signs military and veterans bills into law; Legislature reconvenes Monday to consider two bills he vetoed

March 28, 2025, update:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed four bills supporting our military and veterans.

“As Governor, my goal is to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free — and that wouldn’t be possible without all of our brave men and women in uniform,” said Rhoden. “These bills are a sign of support for all of our dedicated military members and the veterans who gave so much for us. Because of their sacrifices, our nation remains the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Rhoden signed the following four military and veterans bills into law:

• SB 6 authorizes a loan from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund to a school district adjoining a federal military installation for the construction or expansion of a school building;
• HB 1161 allows additional forms to verify military service for a veteran designation on a commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit;
• HB 1188 allows nonresident military members to purchase three-day temporary nonresident waterfowl licenses; and
• HB 1238 establishes protections for a veteran seeking assistance in a veterans’ benefit matter.

Rhoden signed SB 6 in a signing ceremony at Douglas School District’s Vandenberg Elementary School during his Open for Opportunity tour. You can find a picture of the signing here.

Rhoden has signed 211 bills and VETOED two this legislative session. There are no additional bills awaiting the Governor’s signature.

March 28, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed eight budget bills into law, including SB 220, the general appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2026.

“I am proud of our state’s fiscal responsibility,” said Rhoden. “With the signing of these bills, I am officially passing the 136^th consecutive balanced budget. Our commonsense, conservative financial decisions are essential to South Dakota’s strong economy.”

Rhoden also signed the following seven bills into law:

• SB 54 revises the distribution of revenue from the cigarette tax;
• SB 55 revises property tax levies for school districts and revises the state aid to general and special education formulas;
• SB 56 authorizes the payment of lease rental obligations to the South Dakota Building Authority by the Bureau of Finance and Management, makes an appropriation therefore, and declares an emergency;
• HB 1015 increases licensure fees related to the practice of funeral service and cremation;
• HB 1036 establishes a minimum combined balance of the budget reserve fund and general revenue replacement fund;
• HB 1037 suspends the tax collection allowance credit for filing returns and remitting taxes electronically; and
• HB 1046 revises the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025.

Rhoden has signed 207 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

March 27, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed six bills that emphasize taking care of people.

“I will always prioritize protecting and caring for the people of the great state of South Dakota, no matter what situation they may face,” said Rhoden. “These bills will help ensure that we continue to live in a state where families are strong, children are safe, and every South Dakotan is free.”

Rhoden signed the following six bills into law:

• HB 1005 modifies the requirement for payment of a private home study by the Department of Social Services;
• HB 1016 revises provisions related to pharmacy and increases fees;
• HB 1061 prohibits a health care provider from restricting or denying a parent or guardian’s access to certain medical records and other health information of a minor;
• HB 1071 modifies practice criteria for physician assistants;
• HB 1139 allows individualized investigative treatments for patients with life-threatening or debilitating diseases or conditions; and
• HB 1221 makes an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations.

Rhoden has signed 199 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

March 26, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed 16 “Good Government” bills into law.

“South Dakota is a tremendous example of commonsense regulations and good government, and these bills will build on that,” said Rhoden. “The Declaration of Independence clearly states that ‘governments are instituted among men’ to protect the rights of the people, and these bills ensure that remains true. They are an important step towards keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free!”

Rhoden signed the following 16 bills into law:

• HB 1007 prohibits use of the South Dakota public utilities commission gross receipts tax fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by the Public Utilities Commission;
• HB 1008 includes a hybrid facility as a facility to be regulated by the Public Utilities Commission;
• HB 1041 revises and repeals certain provisions pertaining to the state library and State Library Board;
• HB 1059 clarifies the meaning of teleconference for purposes of open meeting requirements;
• HB 1106 requires a report regarding refugee resettlement services;
• HB 1131 makes an appropriation for the restoration, maintenance, and repair of the state capitol;
• HB 1216 modifies and repeals provisions related to the Legislative Research Council;
• HB 1225 updates and repeals provisions related to the reporting of hospital charge information;
• SB 3 increases driver license fees;
• SB 26 reduces employer contribution rates and increases the administrative fee rate for reemployment assistance;
• SB 45 imposes a motor vehicle technology fee;
• SB 90 clarifies provisions regarding tax deeds;
• SB 128 amends requirements for an official newspaper;
• SB 171 adds questions about historical property to seller’s disclosure statement;
• SB 176 clarifies the discovery procedures and powers and modifies the administration of the Government Operations and Audit Committee; and
• SB 215 removes the prohibition against a landowner having an easement on the landowner’s property.

Rhoden has signed 193 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

March 25, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed 20 election-related bills into law and VETOED one bill.

“South Dakota continues to be an example of free and fair elections. Our election system has integrity, and these bills improve our already strong system,” said Rhoden. “America is founded on the principle of freedom, and I am proud that we live in a nation and a state where we can choose our leaders.”

Rhoden also VETOED HB 1169. He articulated the reasons for his VETO in a letter to the legislature, which you can find here.

“This bill has a worthy goal: placing safeguards on the process to add constitutional amendments to the ballot in South Dakota,” wrote Governor Rhoden. “However, I am concerned that this bill will not withstand scrutiny in the courts. This bill attempts to change the South Dakota Constitution in statute, and I believe that approach to be misguided.”

Rhoden signed the following 20 bills into law:

• SB 68 requires an individual be a citizen of the United States before being eligible to vote and to provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 73 requires that an individual registering as a voter when applying for a driver license be a resident of this state for the purposes of voting;
• SB 75 requires an indication of United States citizenship status on a motor vehicle operator’s license or permit, and on a nondriver identification card;
• SB 89 repeals the requirement that judicial officers be listed on a separate nonpolitical ballot;
• SB 91 revises the requirements for a petition to initiate a measure or constitutional amendment or to refer a law;
• SB 92 requires that the director of the Legislative Research Council and the secretary of state review an initiated measure and determine if the measure embraces more than one subject;
• SB 106 requires an individual be registered as a voter of this state before being eligible to be a petition sponsor for a ballot measure;
• SB 164 prohibits the use of a deepfake to influence an election and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 173 revises the process by which a recount may be requested;
• SB 185 amends provisions pertaining to the process by which the qualifications of a registered voter are verified;
• HB 1062 amends provisions pertaining to the maintenance and publication of the statewide voter registration file;
• HB 1066 revises residency requirements for the purposes of voter registration;
• HB 1126 modifies provisions pertaining to the compensation of a recount board;
• HB 1127 requires that notice of a county’s canvass, post-election audit, and testing of automatic tabulating equipment be posted to the secretary of state’s website;
• HB 1130 provides permissible dates for municipal and school district elections;
• HB 1164 revises the process for nominating candidates for lieutenant governor;
• HB 1184 amends the deadline for filing a petition to initiate a measure or constitutional amendment;
• HB 1208 designates an individual using the address of a mail forwarding service or post office box when applying to register as a voter or vote by absentee ballot as a federal voter;
• HB 1256 requires the inclusion of certain information on a candidate’s nominating petition or on a ballot question petition; and
• HB 1264 requires the disclosure of an outstanding loan balance on a campaign finance disclosure report.

Rhoden has signed 177 bills and VETOED two this legislative session.

March 24, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed three pro-Second Amendment bills into law. He signed these bills at Boyd’s Gunstock in Mitchell during his Open for Opportunity tour.

“One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how free we are – especially when it comes to the freedom to keep and bear arms,” said Rhoden. “We have taken greater actions to defend our Second Amendment rights than any other state. As long as I am Governor, I will continue to defend this basic constitutional freedom.”

Rhoden signed the following three bills into law:

• SB 100 limit the imposition of restrictions on the carrying of a concealed pistol and other items of self-defense while on the campus of a public institution of higher education.
• HB 1218 address the imposition of firearm restrictions on certain employees, officers, volunteers, and other individuals.
• HB 1222 expand the authorized carrying, possession, and storage of a concealed pistol.

Rhoden has signed 157 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

March 21, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed three bills into law to protect South Dakota values.

“South Dakota is a place where commonsense values remain common, and these bills reinforce that fact,” said Rhoden. “These bills promote strong families, safety in education, and freedom from the ‘woke’ agenda like what has happened in too many other places.”

Rhoden signed the following three bills into law:

• HB 1174 revises certain provisions related to the rights and obligations of a father of a child born to an unmarried mother;
• HB 1239 revises certain provisions related to the restriction of access to obscene materials in a public library or public school library; and
• HB 1259 prohibits unauthorized access to certain multi-occupancy rooms.

Rhoden has signed 154 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

March 20, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed five public safety bills into law, including HB 1230, which heightens penalties for distribution of fentanyl.

“I will always prioritize public safety – it’s a key part of keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free,” said Rhoden. “By signing these bills today, we continue to fight crime and protect our communities. And we will take a firm stance against the fentanyl crisis that is killing far too many Americans.”

Rhoden also signed the following four bills into law:

• SB 64 revises provisions related to the establishment of an initial parole date;
• SB 115 revises a provision related to sexual contact with a child under eighteen;
• HB 1012 clarifies the status of the Statewide One-Call Notification Board as an agency administered by the Department of Public Safety and the duties of the Board; and
• HB 1096 prohibits eligibility for a suspended imposition of sentence for certain rape offenses.

Rhoden has signed 151 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

March 19, 2025:

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed four education bills into law.

“We are investing in our state’s talented students. They are the future of our workforce and the future of South Dakota,” said Rhoden. “As kids grow up here in South Dakota, it is my hope that they will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and make a difference right here in our home state.”

Rhoden signed the following four education bills into law:

• SB 70 modifies the maximum sparsity benefit a sparse school district is eligible to receive;
• HB 1039 amends the programs reimbursing a teacher or school counselor for earning national board certification;
• HB 1040 reduces the state’s contribution to a subsidized high school dual credit program; and
• HB 1114 makes an appropriation for the purchasing of equipment to support the South Dakota Board of Technical Education.

Rhoden has signed 146 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

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 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 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.