South Dakota2026Active
HB1232
Rules for State Agencies Working with Tribal Members on Reservations
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:29 AM
In one sentence
This law sets a state policy to consult with tribal governments and lists five guiding principles agencies must consider when creating or running programs that might affect tribal members living on a reservation.
What it does
- Sets a state policy requiring consultation with tribal governments about programs affecting tribal members on reservations.
- Lists five guiding principles for agencies, including cooperation, respect for tribes as sovereign nations, and preserving the relationship between them.
- Requires regular and early communication between state agencies and tribal officials during program development or administration.
- States that these rules do not create new legal rights for any party in court cases or other disputes.
Who it affects
- State government agencies creating or running programs
- Tribal governments and their officials
- Tribal members living on a reservation
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not say exactly how agencies must carry out the consultation process.
- It is unclear if this applies to programs that affect tribal members living outside of reservations because the text only mentions those on a reservation.
- These principles cannot be used as a basis for legal claims in court.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Sovereign nations
- Groups that have the power to govern themselves independently, as recognized by this law.
- Government-to-government relationship
- The formal connection between the state and each tribe where they work together.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
establish principles for a state agency to consider when formulating or implementing a program that has the potential of affecting tribal members on a reservation.
Official activity
Bill history
- Signed by the Governor