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HB1161

South Dakota Law on Restrooms and Changing Rooms

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:29 AM

In one sentence

This law requires the state or local governments to label shared restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters as for males only or females only.

What it does

  • Requires the state or political subdivisions to mark multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping areas in owned or leased buildings as exclusive use for either males or females.
  • Exempts rooms used exclusively by firefighters or law enforcement personnel acting in an official capacity from this rule.
  • Lists specific situations where people can enter a room designated for the opposite sex without breaking the prohibition rules.

Who it affects

  • The state of South Dakota and its political subdivisions
  • People who use government-owned or leased buildings with shared restrooms, changing rooms, or sleeping quarters

Limits and unknowns

  • The official text provided does not state a specific effective date for when this law begins.
  • While exceptions are listed, such as parents with children under ten or people assisting those with disabilities, the full details of these situations depend on other referenced laws.

Plain language

Terms to know

Political subdivision
A smaller part of the state like a city, county, or school district.
Multi-occupancy changing room
A shared space where more than one person can change clothes at the same time.

Official record

Sources

Source attached

Official summary

amend provisions related to changing rooms, sleeping quarters, and restrooms.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Signed by the Governor