Gov. Larry Rhoden signs 12 bills; new South Dakota open government laws tighten meeting rules

Gov. Larry Rhoden signed 12 bills into law Feb. 13, including three Attorney General Marty Jackley measures aimed at strengthening South Dakota open government rules. The new laws update agenda requirements, tighten executive session rules and require agendas to be posted online at least 72 hours ahead of meetings.

By Riley Harrington February 18, 2026 10:31 am

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MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed 12 more bills into law, including three measures backed by Attorney General Marty Jackley that state officials say will strengthen open government in South Dakota.

The bills update requirements for open meeting agendas, revise rules governing executive sessions and closed meetings, and require official open meeting agendas to be posted online at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time, according to the governor’s office.

The three open government bills signed were Senate Bill 46, Senate Bill 47 and Senate Bill 48. SB 46 modifies agenda requirements and sets a penalty. SB 47 revises requirements for executive sessions and closed meetings. SB 48 clarifies the 72-hour online posting requirement for official agendas.

“South Dakotans deserve transparency so they can have confidence in their government,” Rhoden said in a statement announcing the bill signing. Jackley said the measures focus on government transparency and thanked supporters, including an Open Government Task Force, for backing the legislation.

Rhoden has now signed 35 bills into law and vetoed one during the 2026 legislative session, his office said.

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