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South Dakota State Senate

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South Dakota State Senate
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Republican
Session start:  January 13, 2026
Session end:  March 30, 2026
Term length:  2 years
Term limits:  4 terms (8 years)
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:  $16,348/year + per diem
Members
Total:  35
Democrats:  3
Republicans:  32
Other:  0
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
President:  Tony Venhuizen (R)
Maj. Leader:  Jim Mehlhaff (R)
Min. Leader:  Liz Larson (D)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheSouth Dakota State Senate is theupper chamber of theSouth Dakota State Legislature. Alongside theSouth Dakota House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the South Dakota state government and works alongside thegovernor of South Dakota to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the South Dakota State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The South Dakota State Senate meets in the state capitol building inPierre, South Dakota.

  • All 35 seats in the South Dakota State Senate are up for election in2026.
  • All 35 seats in the South Dakota State Senate were up for election in2024. The chamber's Republicansupermajority increased from 31-4 to 32-3.
  • South Dakota has a Republicantrifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
  • This page contains the following information on the South Dakota State Senate.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the South Dakota State Senate as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, South Dakota State Senate
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic3
    Republican32
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total35

    Members

    Leadership

    The lieutenant governor acts as president of the Senate. The president only votes in the case of a tie. The senate elects one member to serve as president pro tempore; this officer presides in the absence of the president, appoints committees, and assigns legislation to committee.[1]

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    South Dakota State Senate District 1Michael RohlRepublicanJanuary 12, 2021
    South Dakota State Senate District 2Steve KolbeckRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 3Carl PerryRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 4Stephanie SauderRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 5Glen VilhauerRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 6Ernie Otten Jr.RepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 7Tim ReedRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 8Casey CrabtreeRepublicanJune 19, 2020
    South Dakota State Senate District 9Joy HohnRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 10Liz LarsonDemocraticJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 11Chris KarrRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 12Arch BealRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 13Sue PetersonRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 14Larry P. ZikmundRepublicanJanuary 12, 2021
    South Dakota State Senate District 15Jamie SmithDemocraticJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 16Kevin JensenRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 17Sydney DavisRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 18Lauren NelsonRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 19Kyle SchoenfishRepublicanJanuary 6, 2020
    South Dakota State Senate District 20Paul MiskiminsRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 21MyKala VoitaRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 22Brandon WipfRepublicanJuly 10, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 23Mark LapkaRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 24Jim MehlhaffRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 25Tom PischkeRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 26Tamara GroveRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 27Red Dawn FosterDemocraticJanuary 8, 2019
    South Dakota State Senate District 28J. Sam MartyRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 29John CarleyRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 30Amber HulseRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 31Randy DeibertRepublicanJanuary 10, 2023
    South Dakota State Senate District 32Helene DuhamelRepublicanDecember 3, 2019
    South Dakota State Senate District 33Curt VoightRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 34Taffy HowardRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025
    South Dakota State Senate District 35Greg BlancRepublicanJanuary 14, 2025


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[2]
    SalaryPer diem
    $16,348/year$178/day for legislators who reside more than 50 miles away from the Capitol.

    Swearing in dates

    See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Legislators assume office the second Tuesday in January after the general election.[3]

    Membership qualifications

    See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

    To be eligible to serve in theSouth Dakota State Legislature, a candidate must meet the following qualifications:[4]

    21 years old; 2 years residency; qualified voter; may not have been convicted of bribery, perjury or other infamous crime; may not have illegally taken 'public moneys'[5]


    Historical party control

    Republicans won control of the South Dakota State Senate in 1994. In2024, they won a 32-3 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the South Dakota Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    South Dakota State Senate election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats20161313121010151457865343
    Republicans1519222223252520203028272930323132

    Trifecta history

    Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, South Dakota was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: None
    • Republican trifecta: 1992, 1995-2023
    • Divided government: 1993-1994

    South Dakota Party Control: 1992-2026
    No Democratic trifectas  •  Thirty-three years of Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year9293949596979899000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
    GovernorRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    SenateRDDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    HouseRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR


    Elections

    Elections by year

    South Dakota state senators servetwo-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. South Dakota holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2026

    Elections for theSouth Dakota State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isJune 2, 2026. The filing deadline isMarch 31, 2026.

    2024

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2024

    Elections for theSouth Dakota State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasJune 4, 2024. The filing deadline wasMarch 26, 2024.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party43
        Republican Party3132
    Total3535

    2022

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2022

    Elections for theSouth Dakota State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for June 7, 2022. The filing deadline was March 29, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, the Republican majority in the South Dakota State Senate decreased from 32-3 to 31-4.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party34
        Republican Party3231
    Total3535

    2020

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofSouth Dakota State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 2, 2020, and a primary runoff was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was March 31, 2020.

    In the 2020 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the South Dakota State Senate from 30-5 to 32-3.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party53
        Republican Party3032
    Total3535

    2018

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2018

    Elections for theSouth Dakota State Senate took place in 2018. The primary election took place on June 5, 2018. The Democratic primary was ahybrid primary and the Republican primary was aclosed primary. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasMarch 27, 2018.[6]

    In the 2018 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the South Dakota State Senate from 29-6 to 30-5.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party65
        Republican Party2930
    Total3535

    2016

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2016

    Elections for theSouth Dakota State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on June 7, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 29, 2016. All35 seats in theSouth Dakota State Senate were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 27-8 majority. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 29-6 majority.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party86
        Republican Party2729
    Total3535
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2014

    The general elections for the office ofSouth Dakota State Senate took place onNovember 4, 2014. A primary election took place on June 3, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 25, 2014.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 28-7 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 27-8 majority.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party78
        Republican Party2827
    Total3535

    2012

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on June 5, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 27, 2012. Atotal of 35 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 30-5 majority. Republicans lost two seats in the election, giving them a 28-7 majority.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party57
        Republican Party3028
    Total3535

    The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election.

    2012 Margin of Victory, South Dakota State Senate
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 25Republican PartyTim Rave2.5%10,988Dan Ahlers
    District 2Democratic PartyChuck Welke2.8%10,581Art Fryslie
    District 17Democratic PartyTom Jones4.9%9,065John Chicoine
    District 26Democratic PartyLarry Lucas6%8,314Kent Juhnke
    District 7Republican PartyLarry Tidemann7%8,150Pamela Merchant
    District 3Republican PartyAl Novstrup7.1%10,368H. Paul Dennert
    District 22Republican PartyJim White8.8%9,550Chris Studer
    District 15Democratic PartyAngie Buhl9.5%5,428Kathy Miles
    District 14Republican PartyDeb Soholt11%11,259Brian Kaatz
    District 12Republican PartyMark Johnston12.5%10,490Kent Alberty

    2010

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on June 8, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 30, 2010.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 21-14 majority. Republicans gained nine seats in the election, giving them a 30-5 majority.

    South Dakota State Senate
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party145
        Republican Party2130
    Total3535

    In 2010, the candidates for state Senate raised a total of $1,090,800 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[7]

    2010 Donors, South Dakota State Senate
    DonorAmount
    South Dakota Senate Republicans Campaign Cmte$36,500
    South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association$19,750
    Warner PAC$16,000
    South Dakota Education Association$15,750
    South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations$15,750
    South Dakota Republican Party$15,422
    South Dakota Association of Realtors$14,700
    South Dakota Retailers Association$13,850
    Codington County Republican Central Cmte$11,500
    South Dakota Corn Growers Association$11,250

    2008

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 3, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

    During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,196,661. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2008 Donors, South Dakota State Senate
    DonorAmount
    South Dakota Republican Party$169,874
    Senate Republican Campaign Cmte Of South Dakota$97,500
    Adelstein, Stanford M$60,783
    South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association$47,000
    South Dakota Education Association$39,800
    GPS PAC$21,000
    South Dakota Association Of Realtors$18,850
    South Dakota Association Of Healthcare Organizations$18,750
    Heineman, Phyllis M$17,500
    Nemec, Nicholas$17,071

    2006

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 6, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

    During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,811,174. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2006 Donors, South Dakota State Senate
    DonorAmount
    South Dakota Republican Party$165,101
    Adelstein, Stanford M$102,813
    South Dakota Democratic Party$67,250
    South Dakota Education Association$50,575
    South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association$48,850
    Jerstad, Sandy$24,809
    Oscar Anderson South Dakota Freedom Fund$24,740
    Schmidt, Dennis$24,395
    South Dakota Freedom Fund$23,522
    Women Run! South Dakota$18,065

    2004

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 1, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

    During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $859,976. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2004 Donors, South Dakota State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Adelstein, Stanford M$124,703
    South Dakota Republican Party$54,793
    21St Century South Dakota PAC$47,077
    South Dakota State Medical Association$16,650
    South Dakota Association Of Healthcare Organizations$16,050
    South Dakota Association Of Realtors$15,600
    Schwiesow, Elli$14,560
    South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association$11,450
    South Dakota Association Of Specialty Care Providers$11,350
    International Brotherhood Of Teamsters$10,500

    2002

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 4, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

    During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $429,255. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2002 Donors, South Dakota State Senate
    DonorAmount
    South Dakota Republican Party$26,860
    South Dakota Democratic Party$14,593
    South Dakota Association Of Healthcare Organizations$11,450
    South Dakota Association Of Realtors$8,050
    South Dakota State Medical Association$7,900
    Qwest Communications$7,200
    South Dakota Education Association$6,150
    South Dakota Optometric Association$6,000
    South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association$5,850
    Associated General Contractors Of South Dakota$5,300

    2000

    See also:South Dakota State Senate elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 6, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

    During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $429,065. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

    2000 Donors, South Dakota State Senate
    DonorAmount
    South Dakota Republican Party$69,405
    South Dakota Democratic Party$63,694
    Millennium Fund$23,750
    DASH PAC$22,100
    South Dakota Education Association$14,412
    South Dakota Association Of Healthcare Organizations$13,100
    De Hueck, Patricia$10,597
    South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association$8,850
    South Dakota Association Of Realtors$8,250
    South Dakota State Medical Association$8,200

    Term limits

    See also:State legislatures with term limits

    TheSouth Dakota legislature is one of16 state legislatures with term limits. Voters enacted theSouth Dakota Term Limits Act in 1992. That initiative said that South Dakota senators are subject toterm limits of no more than four consecutive two-year terms, or eight consecutive years. State senators can run again after they have been out of office for a term.[13] The first year that theterm limits enacted in 1992 impacted the ability of incumbents to run for office was in 2000.

    TheSouth Dakota State Legislature has tried on more than one occasion, each time unsuccessfully, to persuade the state's voters to repeal term limits. The most recent such failed attempt was whenAmendment J lost in 2008 by 75-25%.

    Vacancies

    See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in theSouth Dakota State Legislature, thegovernor is responsible for appointing a replacement. Under thestate constitution, there are no deadlines set in the state constitution requiring when the governor has to fill a vacancy.[14]

    DocumentIcon.jpgSee sources:South Dakota Const. Art. 3, Sec. 10

    District map

    See also:South Dakota state legislative districts

    The state of South Dakota has 35 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also:Redistricting in South Dakota

    South Dakota is home to a single at-large congressional district; as such, congressional redistricting is not necessary. State legislative districts are drawn by thestate legislature. A simple majority vote in each chamber is required to pass a redistricting plan, which is subject to veto by thegovernor.[15]

    TheSouth Dakota Constitution mandates that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. State statutes "ask that districts protect communities of interest and respect geographical and political boundaries." Because these latter requirements are statutory, they can be modified by the state legislature at its discretion.[15]

    2020

    See also:Redistricting in South Dakota after the 2020 census

    South Dakota enacted new state legislative districts after the legislature approved a compromise between two competing proposals. Both chambers voted to approve the final proposal, known as the Sparrow map, on November 10, 2021. The House approved the new districts in a 37-31 vote and the Senate by a vote of 30-2. Gov. Kristi Noem (R) signed the proposal into law later that night.[16]

    Both chambers approved their own versions of the final map on the first day of the special legislative session, which began on November 8, 2021. The House passed its Grouse 2.0 plan by a vote of 48-20, and the Senate approved its plan, known as the Blackbird 2.0 map, in a 20-15 vote. The two proposals mainly differed in their approach to Native American reservations and the rural areas around Rapid City, and the Sparrow addressed both preserving Native American districts and reconfiguring the districts covering Rapid City.[16] These maps took effect for South Dakota's 2022 legislative elections.

    District map after 2020 redistricting

    This map took effect for South Dakota's 2022 legislative elections.

    South Dakota House Map.jpg

    2010

    See also:Redistricting in South Dakota after the 2010 census

    Census data were delivered to South Dakota on February 11, 2011, showing that the state's population grew 7.9 percent to 814,180. This growth rate made South Dakota the 25th fastest-growing state in the country from 2000 to 2010.

    On October 24, 2011, the final redistricting map was approved by the legislature. The final vote was 31-4 in the South Dakota State Senate and 50-18 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The plan was signed into law by GovernorDennis Daugaard (R) on October 25, and pre-cleared by the Department of Justice on January 19, 2012, as required under theVoting Rights Act.[17]

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the South Dakota State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in South Dakota by year

    2025

    See also:2025 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2025, and adjourn on March 31, 2025.


    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2024

    See also:2024 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2024, and adjourn on March 26, 2024.

    2023

    See also:2023 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2023, and adjourn on March 27, 2023.

    2022

    See also:2022 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on March 28, 2022.

    2021

    See also:2021 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, and adjourn on March 29, 2021.

    2020

    See also:2020 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on March 30, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic
    See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Covid vnt.png
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

    2019

    See also:2019 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2019, through March 29, 2019.

    2018

    See also:2018 South Dakota legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through March 26, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere.

    2017

    See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2017, through March 27, 2017. The legislature held a special session on June 12, 2017.

    2016

    See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through March 29.

    2015

    See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 13 to March 30.

    Major issues in 2015

    Republicans and Democrats both expressed differing opinions on the major issues that the legislature would be tackling in 2015. According to State Rep.Alex Jensen (R), lawmakers would focus on infrastructure and transportation issues. This included a Senate bill (S.B.1) that proposed the use of county and local taxes to fund road projects. Democrats, on the other hand, would focus on teacher pay (a recurring issue in front of the state's legislature) and the expansion of Medicaid.[18]

    2014

    See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through March 31.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included the state budget, a texting ban, and domestic violence.[19]

    2013

    See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 8 to March 25.

    Major issues in 2013

    Major issues in the 2013 included reforming the state's criminal justice system and approving a balanced budget.[20]

    2012

    See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through March 19.

    2011

    See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 11 through March 28.[21]

    2010

    See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 12 to March 29.[22]


    About legislative sessions in South Dakota

    TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[23] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Article III of the South Dakota Constitution establishes when theSouth Dakota State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Section 7 of Article III states that the Legislature is to meet in regular session each year on the second Tuesday of January.

    TheSouth Dakota Constitution also contains provisions concerning special sessions of the Legislature. Section 3 of Article IV allows theGovernor of South Dakota to convene a special session of the Legislature. Additionally, Section 31 of Article III allows for a special session to be convened by the presiding officers of both legislative houses upon the written request of two-thirds of the members of each house.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget,procedures for filling membership vacancies, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-Republican Party.png

    See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in South Dakota are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.

    Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 47 of the 70 members in theSouth Dakota House of Representatives and 24 of the 35 members in theSouth Dakota State Senate. South Dakota is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    Authority:Article IV, Section 4 of theSouth Dakota Constitution.

    "Whenever the Legislature is in session, any bill presented to the Governor for signature shall become law when the Governor signs the bill or fails to veto the bill within five days, not including Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, of presentation. A vetoed bill shall be returned by the Governor to the Legislature together with the Governor's objections within five days, not including Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, of presentation if the Legislature is in session or upon the reconvening of the Legislature from a recess. Any vetoed bill shall be reconsidered by the Legislature and, if two-thirds of all members of each house shall pass the bill, it shall become law."

    Role in state budget

    See also:South Dakota state budget and finances
    South DakotaonPublic Policy Logo-one line-on Ballotpedia.png
    Check outBallotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
    BudgetsCivil libertiesEducationElectionsEnergyEnvironmentHealthcarePensions

    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[24]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies betweenJune and July of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
    2. State agencies submit their budget requests to thegovernor byAugust 31.
    3. Agency hearings are held inSeptember.
    4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature inDecember.
    5. The legislature typically adopts a budget inMarch or April. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year beginsJuly 1.

    South Dakota is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[24][25]

    The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[24]

    Committees

    See also:List of committees in South Dakota state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The South Dakota State Senate has 15 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the South Dakota Constitution can be amended:

    See also:Article XXIII of the South Dakota Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in South Dakota

    Amendments to theSouth Dakota Constitution may be proposed in three different ways—through a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, or a state constitutional convention.

    Initiative

    See also:Initiated constitutional amendment

    Aninitiated constitutional amendment is acitizen-initiated ballot measure that amends astate's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.

    In South Dakota, thenumber of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

    Legislature

    See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

    A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for theSouth Dakota State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 36 votes in theSouth Dakota House of Representatives and 18 votes in theSouth Dakota State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

    Convention

    See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

    According toSection 2 of Article 23 of theSouth Dakota Constitution, the South Dakota State Legislature can call a state constitutional convention through a 75% vote in each legislative chamber. Citizens can initiate a constitutional convention question using the same procedures as an initiated constitutional amendment.


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    Footnotes

    1. South Dakota State Legislature, "Legislator Reference Book," accessed February 16, 2021
    2. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    3. South Dakota Constitution, "Article 3, Section 7," accessed February 16, 2021
    4. South Dakota Secretary of State, "Qualification to Hold Office & Term Limitations," accessed May 23, 2205
    5. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    6. South Dakota Secretary of State, "South Dakota Primary and General Election Calendar 2018," accessed September 5, 2017
    7. Follow the Money, "South Dakota Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed August 2, 2014
    8. Follow the Money, "South Dakota 2008 Candidates," accessed July 31, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "South Dakota 2006 Candidates," accessed July 31, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "South Dakota 2004 Candidates," accessed July 31, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "South Dakota 2002 Candidates," accessed July 31, 2013
    12. Follow the Money, "South Dakota 2000 Candidates," accessed July 31, 2013
    13. South Dakota State Legislature, "Legislative Terms of Office," accessed February 16, 2021
    14. South Dakota Legislature, "South Dakota Constitution Article III, Section 10," accessed February 3, 2023
    15. 15.015.1All About Redistricting, "South Dakota," accessed April 23, 2015
    16. 16.016.1Black Hills Fox, "South Dakota lawmakers compromise on redistricting map in special session," November 10, 2021
    17. Loyola University School of Law, "All About Redistricting," accessed July 5, 2012
    18. Caiti Blase,KDLT News, "South Dakota Legislature To Tackle Big Issues For 2015," January 12, 2015
    19. kotatv.com, "Sneak Peek into 2014 South Dakota Legislative Session," December 24, 2013
    20. KTIV, "UPDATE: SD Governor asks lawmakers to revamp criminal justice system," January 8, 2013
    21. 2011South Dakota Legislative Research Council, "86th LEGISLATIVE SESSION CALENDAR," March 12, 2010
    22. South Dakota Legislative Research Council, "85th LEGISLATIVE SESSION CALENDAR," January 21, 2010
    23. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    24. 24.024.124.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    25. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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