South Dakota2026Active
HB1187
HB1187: Adding Coaches to Mandatory Child Abuse Reporters
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:29 AM
In one sentence
This law requires coaches of school activities in South Dakota to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
What it does
- Adds 'coach of a school activity' to the list of people who must report child abuse or neglect.
- Requires these coaches to make a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child under eighteen is abused or neglected.
- States that anyone who intentionally fails to make this required report commits a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- Allows any person, not just mandatory reporters, to voluntarily report suspected abuse as defined in existing law.
Who it affects
- Coaches of school activities
- Children under the age of eighteen
Limits and unknowns
- The official text does not specify an effective date.
- The bill summary refers to existing laws (§§ 26-8A-6, 26-8A-7, and 26-8A-8) for reporting steps but does not detail those specific procedures.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Mandatory reporter
- A person who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Reasonable cause to suspect
- Having enough information that leads a reasonable person to believe abuse has occurred, as defined in state law.
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- A specific type of criminal offense for intentionally failing to make the required report.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
add coaches to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect.
Official activity
Bill history
- Signed by the Governor