SDWF Camo Coalition 2025 Legislative Watch List
Find your Legislator – https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Find
Contact Legislators – https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Contacts/70
Awaiting the Outfitter and Guide License requirement Bill not released from LRC.
HB 1023 – An Act to modify the definition of a conviction for purposes of license revocation. 2025 House Bill 1023 | South Dakota Legislature
SDWF position is that we will support this revocation cleanup.
VP Vandel and I both testified in support. License revocations are an important deterrent to trespassing and poaching violations. It seems it’s rarely used enough. Testimony was that ‘approximately’ 50 violators got out of penalties through this type of “loophole” the past decade.
01/22/2025
House Judiciary Do Pass, Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 4.
49:53
01/23/2025
House of Representatives Do Pass, Passed, YEAS 38, NAYS 31. H.J. 107
18:52
HB 1026 – An Act to make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway, for the general maintenance and repair of other state-owned dams, and to declare an emergency. 2025 House Bill 1026 | South Dakota Legislature
SDWF position is that we will monitor and likely support
VP Vandel and I listened to this discussion today via the School and Public Lands briefing to the Senate Ag and Natural Resources committee. This dam is above Aberdeen and a possible safety issue seems to be brewing. Good discussion from senators about the need, cost and Aquatic Invasive Species were discussed.
01/23/2025
Referred to House Agriculture and Natural Resources H.J. 105
N/A
01/28/2025
Scheduled for hearing Room 414 01/28/2025 7:45 AM
N/A
SB 8 – An Act to establish certain criminal offenses for boat operators and to provide penalties therefor. 2025 Senate Bill 8 | South Dakota Legislature
SDWF position is that we will monitor and likely support
01/14/2025
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 11
N/A
SB 15 – An Act to expand the policy advisory committee for animal damage control. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/25809
SDWF worked for and gained volunteers from Sportsman’s groups/NGOs to balance the representation. GFP is welcoming to interested additions.
After SDWF board discussion and GFP input, this advisory board will welcome any interested applicable groups. I reached out to SD Bowhunters, SD Antelope Foundation, SD Chapter of the BHA and SD RMEF and they are interested in being involved going forward. This addition is just another advisory group and certainly welcome. VP Vandel and I spoke with Landowner and Outfitter Alliance lobbyists and also testified in the affirmative to welcome them and ask for approval.
01/23/2025
Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Do Pass, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0.
1:01:45
01/23/2025|
Certified uncontested, placed on consent
SB 41– An Act to clarify the minimum age requirements for a hunting license. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/25584
VP Vandel and I both testified in support of this bill today. Removing the need for a signed note from a parent and allowing the mentee to have the license sent to them in their name is a good move to enable their ability to get in the field in our view.
01/23/2025
Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Do Pass, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0.
1:15:10
01/23/2025
Certified uncontested, placed on consent
SB 46 – An Act to specify the funds into which certain boat fees are deposited. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/25620
SDWF will monitor. In Speaking with other conservation groups and GFP, everyone is on same page and GFP does not anticipate any issues here.
01/24/2025
Scheduled for hearing
SB 78 – An Act to authorize a change in bullet diameter for use in taking certain animals. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/25917/275576
SDWF position is that we will monitor and STAY Neutral.
01/28/2025 Hearing SB 78 Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Room 423 10:00 AM
SB 79 – An Act to permit the operation of a Class I electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/25700/275756
SDWF position is to monitor and STAY Neutral
01/22/2025
Referred to Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources S.J. 72
01/28/2025 Hearing SB 79 Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Room 423 10:00 AM
Please share and encourage your affiliate members to engage with their legislators and committee members if they feel strongly.
Dana Rogers
Executive Director, SDWF
House Ag and Natural Resources Committee
Chair:
Vice-Chair:
Room: Room 414
Days: TTh
Time: 6:45 AM
Representatives:
Staff: Nixon, Lance
Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee
Chair:
Vice-Chair:
Room: Room 423
Days: TTh
Time: 9:00 AM
Senators:
Staff: