Wednesday, Feb. 22, was Crossover, which means if a bill did not pass out of its house of origin, then it is essentially defeated for the year.
South Dakota’s 2023 has been relatively quiet for sportsmen, but here are a few bills of interest.
Signed in law:
- Senate Bill 1018 reestablishes due process by repealing the authorized forfeiture of property used in the illegal capture of fish by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
- House Bill 1019 repeals the requirement that Game, Fish and Parks licensing agents be bonded or pay an annual $25 fee to issue licenses.
Passed its house of origin and continuing through the legislative process:
- House Bill 1186 requires restitution for landowners when a person is convicted of unauthorized entry for hunting, fishing, or trapping, including the loss of a hunting, fishing, and trapping license.
Failed to cross over:
- Senate Bill 79 appropriations for the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to make improvements and infrastructure repairs around Hidden Lake.
- House Bill 1100 would have authorized a landowner-on-own-land elk license.
- Anti-gun House Bill 1213 was a poorly drafted and unnecessary bill related to the storage of firearms. Keeping firearms stored appropriately is important, but when legislation is unworkable and a duplicate of current law, it is unnecessary.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance will continue to monitor the legislative session and alert our members and supporters on matters of interest.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.