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HB1184

HB1184: Defines Terms for Man, Woman, and Related Words in South Dakota Law

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:29 AM

In one sentence

This law adds specific definitions for words like man, woman, male, female, boy, girl, father, mother, and sex to the state code and requires all government agencies and political subdivisions to use these definitions.

Adds a definition of 'male' as an individual who naturally has or would have a reproductive system that produces sperm for fertilization, except for congenital anomalies or disruptions.
Adds a definition of 'female' as an individual who naturally has or would have a reproductive system that produces eggs for fertilization, except for congenital anomalies or disruptions.
Defines 'man' and 'woman' as adult human males and females, respectively.
Requires all state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, political subdivisions, and entities exercising state authority to strictly follow these definitions in their duties.
States that these definitions apply uniformly across all administrative rules, contracts, guidance documents, policies, practices, and statutes of the state.

The official text does not specify an effective date for when these definitions begin.
The definition of 'sex' excludes chapters 22-24A and 22-24B, but the source material does not explain what those specific chapters cover.

Plain language

Reproductive system: The body parts that produce eggs or sperm for fertilization.
Congenital anomaly: A condition present at birth affecting the reproductive system, which is noted as an exception in the definitions of male and female.
Political subdivision: Local government units like cities or counties within the state.

Official record

Source attached

define man and woman throughout the state.

Official activity