PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW)Lawmakers are taking the first step with a bill that would end child marriage in South Dakota. Senate Bill 156, which would increase the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18, was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Republican Senator Sydney Davis introduced the legislation. South Dakota’s existing law allows the marriage of a person between the ages of 16 and 18 as long as one of their parents or guardians signs for consent. Some advocates included survivors of child marriages, while opponents argued it would be unfair to true couples who may have had an unplanned pregnancy and deserve parental rights. The bill now goes to the Senate floor.
South Dakota Takes First Step to End Child Marriage with Senate Bill 156
South Dakota lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 156, a proposal to raise the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18. Introduced by Republican Senator Sydney Davis, the bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now heads to the Senate floor. Current law allows minors aged 16-18 to marry with parental consent, but advocates, including survivors of child marriages, argue for stronger protections. Opponents contend that the bill could impact couples facing unplanned pregnancies who seek parental rights
