Legislative Updates

The 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session is here.

All bill activities for both the House and the Senate that we are following for this session will be listed here.

Updates are made at least once a week.

House Bills

BILL NUMBER	BILL PURPOSE
1001	provide for prescribed burning of state-owned land by a person owning adjoining land and to declare an emergency.
1037	exempt active-duty members of the armed forces of the United States and veterans from paying a resident fishing license fee.
1047	make an appropriation for the construction costs at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, and to declare an emergency.
1052	authorize the transfer of certain surplus real property by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation for a public purpose.
1071	establish a ten-year boat registration for owners of certain boats.
1120	revise certain provisions related to operating a vehicle, boat, or aircraft while under the influence.
1122	provide for the licensure of certain fishing guides, and to provide a penalty therefor.
1156	extend each waterfowl hunting season for veterans and active duty personnel.
1157	establish a task force for the purpose of studying aquatic invasive species infestations, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.
1188	clarify the duties and limit the liability of law enforcement officers and others when removing a disabled vehicle from a highway, a right of way, or public waters.
1195	provide free admission to state parks and recreation areas for residents enrolled as members of Indian tribes.
1265	establish an avian special purpose salvage permit.
1272	require that a snow bear be titled and licensed.

Senate Bills

BILL NUMBER	BILL PURPOSE
16	provide for the licensure of fishing and hunting guides, and to   provide a penalty therefor.
78	revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.
103	address the assumption of risk by an individual present at a shooting   range.
115	remove the prohibition pertaining to the shooting of mourning   doves located within specific areas.
131	revise the season in which a nonprofit organization may host a special pheasant hunt for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients.
148	terminate bounty payments for the control of nest predation.
160	require the registration of fishing guides.
201	authorize the use of a drone for the location and recovery of mortally wounded deer and elk and to provide a penalty therefor.
202	require that the owner of a motor vehicle removed from a body of water pay the removal costs.

House Concurrent Resolution

BILL NUMBER	BILL PURPOSE
6014	honoring Custer State Park cabin owners and their property rights.