Gov. Rhoden Signs Justice Bills into Law

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Signs Justice Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed 12 justice bills, including anti-SLAPP legislation, SB 137, which protects South Dakotans from frivolous lawsuits meant to silence free speech. Governor Rhoden signed SB 137 at Custer High School, and you can find photos of the signing hereand here.

"We are the freest state in a nation founded on the principle of freedom, and a strong justice system protects our constitutional rights. Free speech is one of the first freedoms listed in our Bill of Rights, and this bill further protects that right for South Dakotans," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "We will continue to safeguard liberty and justice for all."

Governor Rhoden also signed the following 11 bills:

• SB 41revises a provision related to criminal invasions of privacy, prohibits the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated material of an identifiable individual, and provides penalties therefor;
• SB 42enhances the penalties for ingestion, possession with intent to deliver, and delivery of a controlled substance in a state correctional facility;
• SB 44establishes investigative subpoena authority to gather business records in certain investigations;
• SB 45revises a provision regulating delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, THC-O acetate, and hexahydrocannabinol for persons under the age of twenty-one and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 139revises a provision related to the transportation of an inmate upon discharge from a correctional facility;
• SB 179permits a court to commit a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for certain weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections;
• HB 1066revises a provision related to theft by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier;
• HB 1108requires the sealing of court files upon dismissal or denial of a petition for a protection order;
• HB 1140permits a court to impose as a condition of probation, or parole in certain circumstances, treatment at a nonprofit entity awarded an alternative care program grant;
• HB 1183revises qualifications for immunity from prosecution following a drug-related overdose; and
• HB 1187adds coaches to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect.

Governor Rhoden has signed 173 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

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