More than 200 bills were passed by South Dakota lawmakers this winter, most of which take effect as law Thursday.
While changes to the medical marijuana statutes in the state have commanded much public attention, adopted bills that become law like the fiscal year 2022 budget and tax valuation changes are also the new laws of the land.Â
Here’s a rundown of a few new laws that will change life for South Dakotans:
Sports bettingÂ
If you want to place a wager on the Minnesota Twins’ matchup with the Chicago White Sox this weekend, head to the Black Hills where sports betting is now legal. A new law passed by legislators legalizes sports wagering in South Dakota, but only within the city limits of Deadwood, the only jurisdiction in the state besides tribal lands where Las Vegas style gambling casinos are legal.
Electric vehicle tax
On top of the regular vehicle registration fees car and truck owners pay at their county treasurer’s office each year. South Dakotans who drive electric cards will now see an additional $50 fee. The new law doesn’t apply to electric-propelled motorcycles.
More:Is marijuana legal in South Dakota after July 1? Here’s what to know about medical dispensaries, cards and more
Home school reformÂ
No longer will South Dakotans who are schooled at home and outside of an accredited education center be subjected to standardized testing and excluded from participating in organized student athletics.
Liquor licensesÂ
County commissioners in Sioux Falls and across the state have long complained that they lack the ability to recoup costs counties incur from enforcing alcohol laws and jailing habitual offenders. And unlike municipalities, counties have lacked the authorization from the state to sell off-sale liquor licenses.
But that changes today when Senate Bill 152 goes into effect. Counties can now issue a certain number of liquor licenses and charge fees based on population counts.
Accountability for Native American populationÂ
After years of lobbying for action to address the laundry list of unresolved missing person cases related to Native American women, the Attorney General’s Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons takes effect.
The office, by law, will assist with and provide training for law enforcement in the state for locating missing or murdered indigenous persons through a full-time missing person specialist.
Find a full list of bills adopted by lawmakers during this winter’s legislative session here.
