Gov. Rhoden Signs Taking Care of People Bills into Law

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Signs Taking Care of People Bills into Law

VETOES HB 1138

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed 12 bills that emphasize taking care of people, including SB 221and HB 1220, which regulate the sale of nicotine products.

"South Dakota is a special place - not just because of its beautiful land, but because of the people who call it home," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Taking care of South Dakotans will always be my number one priority. By protecting consumers and strengthening healthcare, we are ensuring our people remain strong, safe, and free."

Governor Rhoden also signed the following 10 bills:

• SB 15creates the Developmental Disability Service Delivery Committee;
• SB 89creates a task force to study the provision of emergency medical services as an essential service and the funding thereof;
• SB 90expands the information required to be sent to the prescription drug monitoring program for each registry identification card holder;
• HB 1006creates a taskforce to study the creation of Indian medicaid managed care entities in the state;
• HB 1148adopts the respiratory care interstate compact;
• HB 1199addresses prior authorization and reporting requirements by utilization review organizations and health carriers;
• HB 1200makes an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations;
• HB 1250revises the types of community-based providers for purposes of state funded services;
• HB 1292limits the ability of a health carrier to recoup, recover, or retroactively deny previously paid claims; and
• HB 1299permits the use of biological filtration systems in water recreational facilities located in certain lodging establishments.

Governor Rhoden also VETOED HB 1138, which requires the licensure of non-medical home care agencies. He outlined his decision in a letter to the Legislature, which you can find here.

"Protecting vulnerable South Dakotans is a responsibility I take seriously. But when government regulates, those regulations should be as limited and targeted as possible," wrote Governor Larry Rhoden. "I am directing the Department of Health to work with stakeholders to develop a more effective framework that provides meaningful protections without placing unnecessary burdens on those who provide essential services."

Governor Rhoden has signed 222 bills into law and vetoed two this legislative session.

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