Gov. Larry Rhoden on Friday announced legislation that would make disrupting a religious service a felony in South Dakota, arguing the change is needed to deter protests interfering with worship.
Senate Bill 113 would elevate an existing misdemeanor offense to a felony when a person intentionally targets a house of worship. Disrupting a religious service is already illegal under state law.
The City of Brookings has rolled out OnBoardGOV, an online board management portal designed to improve transparency on vacancies and term expirations and make it easier for residents to apply to serve.
South Dakota tourism set new records in 2025, with nearly 15 million visitors spending $5.16 billion statewide, according to an annual economic impact study released by Travel South Dakota.
South Dakota lawmakers return to committee rooms and the House floor Thursday, Jan. 22, with hearings on property tax limits, school levy elections, medical cannabis in terminal care, firearms suppressors and unemployment benefits.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s proposals to tighten campaign finance rules and expand open-meeting requirements cleared the Senate State Affairs Committee and now head to the full Senate.
A proposal to offer optional solid-color South Dakota license plates — including black with white lettering — is moving through the Legislature, with fees aimed at generating new money for highway maintenance.
Mitchell is looking at snow and blowing snow Wednesday with wind gusts up to 55 mph, followed by a sharp drop into subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills late week.
A South Dakota Senate committee advanced a bill that would give landlords 21 days — instead of 14 — to return tenant security deposits or provide an itemized explanation for deductions. Supporters say the change reflects repair and billing delays while keeping penalties for improper withholding.
A 4-4 tie vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee stalled Senate Bill 1, renewing debate over whether lawmakers or Gov. Larry Rhoden should set rules for South Dakota’s Future Fund. The vote came a day after Rhoden issued an executive order adding internal requirements for how Future Fund dollars are awarded and reported.
Twenty-five elementary and middle school students have qualified for the South Dakota State Spelling Bee on Feb. 7 at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. The winner advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington in May.