Gov. Rhoden Signs Open Government Bills

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Signs Open Government Bills

Signs Nine other Bills

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed 12 bills into law, including three bills introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley to promote open government.

"Openness and responsiveness are key pillars of my Administration. South Dakotans deserve transparency so they can have confidence in their government," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "These bills strengthen transparency, ensure timely public notices, and reinforce our commitment to openness for the people of South Dakota."

The following three open government bills were signed at a signing ceremony with Attorney General Jackley:

• SB 46modifies the requirements for open meeting agendas and provides a penalty therefor;
• SB 47revises the requirements for executive sessions and closed meetings; and
• SB 48clarifies that an official open meeting agenda must be posted online at least seventy-two hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.

You can find a photo of the signing here.

"Government transparency is at the heart of these bills," said Attorney General Marty Jackley. "Thank you to Governor Rhoden, the media, the Open Government Task Force, and our Legislators for their unanimous support of these important bills."

Governor Rhoden also signed the following nine bills:

• SB 10revises a provision related to the adoption of federal motor carrier regulations;
• SB 11increases reinstatement fees and abstract driver record fees;
• SB 18repeals income modifications for the bank franchise tax pertaining to bad debts;
• SB 19revises certain references to the Internal Revenue Code;
• SB 23includes certain types of vehicles in the unpaid repair bill titling process;
• HB 1002revises the daily meal allowance for wildland fire employees and fire suppression forces in certain circumstances;
• HB 1011modifies fees charged by the clerk of courts for certain copies of court records;
• HB 1028establishes a criminal background check requirement for multistate licensure under the social work licensure compact; and
• HB 1029revises provisions related to the practice of addiction counseling and prevention services.

Governor Rhoden has signed 35 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

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