establish a task force for the purpose of studying aquatic invasive species infestations, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

26.258.34 101st Legislative Session 1157

2026 South Dakota Legislature
House Bill 1157

Introduced by: Representative Goodwin

Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes indicate deleted language.
An Act to establish a task force for the purpose of studying aquatic invasive species 1
infestations, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency. 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA: 3
Section 1. There is created the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force for the purpose of 4
studying the ecological damage and associated costs of infestations of aquatic invasive 5
species, as defined in § 41-13A-1, and to make recommendations to the Legislature on 6
policies to address the issue. 7
The task force consists of: 8
(1) The following members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate: 9
(a) Two senators; 10
(b) Two individuals representing non-governmental water organizations; 11
(c) One individual representing water development districts; and 12
(d) One individual from a tribal organization with experience in issues related 13
to aquatic invasive species; 14
(2) The following members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives: 15
(a) Two members of the House of Representatives; 16
(b) One biologist with expertise in aquatic invasive species; 17
(c) One non-governmental individual representing the river, lake, and stream 18
recreation and resort industry; 19
(d) One individual representing a non -governmental outdoor recreation 20
organization; and 21
(e) One individual representing a non-governmental agricultural organization; 22
(3) One individual appointed by the secretary of the Department of Game, Fish and 23
Parks; 24
(4) One individual appointed by the secretary of the Department of Agriculture and 25
Natural Resources; and 26
(5) One individual appointed by the secretary of the Department of Tourism. 27
26.258.34 2 1157
Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes indicate deleted language.
The initial appointments must be made no later than April 30, 2026. If there is a 1
vacancy on the task force, the vacancy is to be filled in the same manner as the original 2
appointment. 3
Section 2. The task force shall present a report to the Executive Board of the Legislative 4
Research Council no later than November 30, 2026, at which point the work of the task force 5
concludes. The report must address: 6
(1) The current condition, impacts, and potential future damage of aquatic invasive 7
species; 8
(2) Techniques, methods, strategies, and best practices to prevent, contain, and 9
mitigate aquatic invasive species; 10
(3) Cost estimates regarding the methodologies determined in subdivision (2); 11
(4) Short-term and long-term funding to support identified best practices; and 12
(5) Any other issue the task force deems appropriate in addressing aquatic invasive 13
species. 14
Section 3. There is appropriated $50,000 from the general fund, to the Legislative Research 15
Council, for expenses associated with administering the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force. 16
Section 4. The Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council shall approve vouchers 17
and the state auditor shall draw warrants to pay expenditures authorized in this Act. 18
Section 5. Any amounts appropriated in this Act not lawfully expended or obligated shall 19
revert in accordance with the procedures prescribed in chapter 4-8. 20
Section 6. Whereas, this Act is necessary for the support of the state government and its 21
existing public institutions, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act shall be in 22
full force and effect from and after its passage and approval. 23