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2026 House Bill 1157 – Zebra Mussel Economic Impact

Home » 2026 Legislative Bills » 2026 House Bill 1157 – Zebra Mussel Economic Impact

Posted on: February 1, 2026
South Dakota Wildlife Federation Camo Coalition.  The 2026 legislative session is now open.  Here are the bills currently in the queue we are monitoring.  The links should help you locate any bill and read it to understand the verbiage and intent.  The SDWF Directors will be meeting via zoom weekly to discuss the legislative issues and any course of action.  George Vandel and I will be in Pierre lobbying on your behalf.  But, the best asset we have is the 220,000 South Dakota Sportsmen and the 3,000 members of SDWF sending in their thoughts.

When communicating with legislators, always be polite, professional and with your own words.  Form letters and canned statements don’t have as much impact.  Also, if you are communicating with your own representative, please let them know you are a constituent.

The Urgent Need for Strengthened Mussel Prevention in South Dakota

South Dakota faces a growing and urgent threat from the continued spread of invasive zebra mussels—tiny, fast-reproducing species that have already proven devastating to ecosystems and economies across the US. Once established, these mussels are impossible to eradicate, clogging water systems, damaging infrastructure, reducing water quality, and jeopardizing revenue streams tied to recreation, hydropower, and agriculture. Immediate and proactive prevention is not simply an environmental necessity— it is sound economic policy. Click below to read more about the bill.