South Dakota’s 200+ New Laws: A Legislative Landscape

South Dakota’s 2025 legislative session resulted in a flurry of new laws, impacting everything from public libraries to government transparency.

A Wave of New Laws: South Dakota’s 2025 Legislative Output

South Dakota’s 2025 legislative session saw an impressive volume of bills signed into law, a total of over 200. The majority of these new laws, 197, took effect on July 1st, with some emergency clauses triggering immediate implementation. This legislative output resulted in significant changes to South Dakota’s legal framework.

The sheer number of new laws passed signifies a period of substantial legislative activity, impacting various facets of state governance and citizen life.

Key Areas of Change: Transparency, Eminent Domain, and More

The new laws cover a broad array of topics. Significant bills include measures aimed at increasing government transparency and whistleblower protection, notably through reporting mechanisms for misconduct and crime within the government (SB 62) and protections for whistleblowers among state employees (SB 63). Other laws directly address the use of eminent domain, like those restricting its application to carbon pipeline projects. These examples highlight the wide-ranging impact of the legislative session.

The new laws represent a shift in legislative priorities, with increased focus on transparency and accountability within the state’s government. The restrictions on eminent domain for carbon pipelines reflect a particular focus on environmental protection and economic development issues.

Governor Noem’s Role: High Volume, No Vetoes

Governor Kristi Noem signed 233 bills, a substantial number, without issuing any vetoes during the legislative session. This high volume of signed legislation, with no vetoes, demonstrates the Governor’s approach to the legislative process. This approach suggests a willingness to engage with the legislature’s output.

This significant volume of legislation without vetoes points to a collaborative relationship between the Governor and the South Dakota Legislature. The lack of vetoes could be attributed to a broad consensus on many of the passed bills.

Editorial Perspective: The Impact of New Legislation

The influx of new laws in South Dakota raises questions about the potential consequences and the balance between legislative priorities. The measures related to transparency and whistleblower protection could improve government accountability. However, the impact on public libraries and the use of eminent domain requires further analysis.

The sheer volume of the new legislation necessitates careful consideration. The laws will have various impacts on various segments of South Dakota’s population and economy.

Key Takeaways

• Over 200 new laws took effect in South Dakota on July 1st, 2025.
• These laws cover various issues, including government transparency, eminent domain, and restrictions on obscene material.
• Governor Noem signed a large number of bills without vetoes.
• The new laws reflect a range of legislative priorities, including economic development and environmental protection.
• The broad impact of these laws on South Dakota’s future needs careful consideration.