Law Enforcement & Public Safety

Creates a task force to study funding for emergency medical services.

This bill mandates that all counties and municipalities must ensure minimum emergency medical services are available within their jurisdictions, replacing the current permissive 'may provide' language with mandatory 'shall ensure' requirements. It directs the state department to establish rules for minimum service levels covering contracts, response times, staffing, protocols, and quality standards. The bill also creates a task force to study funding mechanisms for these mandatory services, with a report due by November 2026. The mandatory requirements take effect July 1, 2028.

Provides emergency grants for volunteer fire departments to buy safety equipment.

This bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the Department of Public Safety to provide grants for volunteer fire departments to purchase personal protective equipment for firefighters. The grants will be awarded chronologically with priority given to departments showing greatest need. Any unspent funds revert by June 30, 2030.

Funds a new Highway Patrol airplane and equipment.

This bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the general fund to the Department of Public Safety for purchasing a new Highway Patrol airplane, mission equipment, and installation of that equipment. The bill includes standard appropriation procedures for voucher approval and fund reversion, and declares an emergency for immediate effectiveness.

Funds a new fire management position in the Department of Public Safety.

This bill appropriates $750,000 from the general fund to the Department of Public Safety for a fire management officer position to support Division of Wildland Fire operations east of the Missouri River, effective June 30, 2026.

Funds a study on reward programs for volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

This bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to the Legislative Research Council to hire a contractor to study implementing a length of service award program for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel under Internal Revenue Code Section 457(e). The contractor must present recommendations to the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council by November 30, 2026.

Protects police and others from lawsuits when removing broken-down vehicles.

This bill creates new statutory immunity protections for law enforcement officers and vehicle removal agencies when removing disabled vehicles from highways and public waters. It establishes that these parties are not liable for damages to vehicles, cargo, or surrounding areas during removal operations, except in cases of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. The bill also makes vehicle owners responsible for all removal costs incurred by the state or local governments.

Provides emergency funding to fight wildfires in the state.

This bill appropriates $2,652,561 from the general fund to the state fire suppression special revenue fund for costs related to suppressing wildfires that impact the state. It establishes procedures for voucher approval and warrant drawing through the Department of Public Safety and state auditor, includes a reversion clause for unused funds, and declares an emergency for immediate implementation.

Provides emergency funding for state disasters and emergencies.

This bill appropriates $4,205,497 from the general fund to the special emergency and disaster special revenue fund for costs related to any emergency or disaster impacting the state. It designates the secretary of the Department of Public Safety to approve vouchers and includes an emergency clause for immediate effect.

Makes it a crime to not call for help when someone attempts suicide.

This bill creates a new legal duty requiring people at emergency scenes to assist others facing serious bodily injury by obtaining aid from law enforcement or medical personnel, with violations being a Class 2 misdemeanor. The bill also provides civil immunity protection for Good Samaritans who provide unpaid assistance, unless they act willfully, wantonly, or recklessly. The immunity does not apply to people providing assistance as part of their paid employment.

Increases meal allowances for wildfire fighters.

This bill creates a new provision allowing the Department of Public Safety to establish a maximum daily meal allowance for wildland fire employees and fire suppression forces working on uncontrolled fires in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District or during declared emergencies. The allowance cannot exceed the current U.S. General Services Administration per diem rate for South Dakota and must be published annually to take effect October 1st.

Sets rules and protections for nurses working on ambulances.

This bill allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to serve on ambulance crews under specific conditions. It creates liability protection for these nurses, stating they are not liable for civil damages for any act or omission during ambulance runs unless the act was inconsistent with their training or resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct. The bill also establishes requirements that these nurses must demonstrate competence in emergency care skills and work under medical director supervision.