South Dakota Military Legislation & Policies

Latest Status

Occupational Licensure Interstate Compacts (Physician Associates Compact): South Dakota Floor Vote

Demographic Data

State residents include:

3,792 active-duty service members
1,320 active-duty spouses
2,183 active-duty children
- 1,184 children in K-12
6,762 National Guard and reserve members
3,120 National Guard and reserve spouses
5,940 National Guard and reserve children
- 3,785 children in K-12

Data source: DMDC, Dec. 31, 2025

Michelle Richart

Midwest Regional Liaison

Midwest Region

CO, IA, KS, ND, NE, SD

EMAIL

Ms. Richart became Midwest region liaison in 2023. Prior to joining the DSLO, she practiced law in the defense, corporate and nonprofit sectors and volunteered in a variety of military family advocacy and policy positions. Ms. Richart is a military spouse and graduate of the Nebraska College of Law.

State-Specific Progress on State Policy Priorities and Sub-Priorities

See the latest status on legislation and policies being advanced in this state on state policy priorities important to military families. Find quick access to this state’s regional liaison, along with demographic data for the military community in this state.

No Action
Bill introduced
Priority advanced
Policy Passed
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Medicaid Waivers

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Purple Star Schools Program

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Veteran Hiring Protection

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

01/27/2016HB-1056

02/09/2016HB-1056

02/19/2016

Protection for Private Sector veterans' Hiring Policies Final Legislation

Allows employers to create hiring preference for veterans.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Advance Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

01/28/2019HB 1044

02/08/2019HB 1044

02/19/2019

Advance Enrollment Final Legislation

If the parent or guardian of a child is transferred to or is pending transfer to a military installation within South Dakota while on active military duty pursuant to an official military order, the child meets the residency requirement for free school privileges in the school district in which the parent or guardian resides or will reside.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Service Member Licensure and Credit

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Virtual School Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

02/16/2021HB 1055

02/24/2021HB 1055

03/09/2021

Virtual School Enrollment Final Legislation

Virtual Schools Bill signed by the Governor.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

01/25/2019HB 1043

02/07/2019HB 1043

02/19/2019

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Final Legislation

Child Abuse Reporting

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

In-State Tuition Continuity

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

02/11/2021HB 1057

02/24/2021HB 1057

03/09/2021

In-State Tuition Continuity Final Legislation

In State Tuition continuity Bill.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Pro Bono Representation

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Legal Protections for Military Families0/5 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Education

Employment

Housing

Public Accomodations

Other Protections

Veterans Treatment Court3/3 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Treatment

01/31/2013SB-70

01/24/2013SB-70

02/07/2013

Treatment Final Legislation

The Veterans Treatment Court program in South Dakota is a voluntary program that offers an alternative to incarceration for justice-involved offenders facing non-violent charges who have a diagnosed substance use and/or mental health disorder.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Open Selection

01/31/2013SB-70

01/24/2013SB-70

02/07/2013

Open Selection Final Legislation

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Available

01/31/2013SB-70

01/24/2013SB-70

02/07/2013

Available Final Legislation

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

State Employment Protections1/2 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Uniform Services & Reemployment Rights Act

01/22/2018HB-1010

02/02/2018HB-1010

02/08/2018

Uniform Services & Reemployment Rights Act Final Legislation

Provides National Guard members Employment Protection

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Enforcement

Remote Driver's License and Vehicle Registration Renewal2/2 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Driver's License

02/11/2025HB1160

02/20/2025HB1160

03/04/2025

Driver's License Final Legislation

This bill enhances the already-existing driver's license renewal and extension procedures for military members and their families by waiving the renewal period.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Vehicle Registration

01/01/2020

Vehicle Registration Final Legislation

The State of South Dakota permits remote renewal of vehicle registrations for all individuals.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Defining Armed Forces in State Policy

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

02/08/2023HB1047

01/29/2023HB1047

02/24/2023

Defining Armed Forces in State Policy Final Legislation

Revise certain provisions regarding military affairs.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

Map Legend

Emeritus Priorities

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

Map Legend

Emeritus Priorities

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