Senate Bill 113

  • Status: Passed Senate
  • Position: Oppose
  • Bill Number: SB 113
  • Session: 2026
  • Latest Update: February 5, 2026
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Summary

Background: Senate Bill 113 would increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion.

Our Stance: The ACLU of South Dakota opposes Senate Bill 113.

Senate Bill 113 changes the punishment for disrupting religious services from a misdemeanor to a felony, but doesn't clearly define what disruption entails.

The First Amendment right of religious freedom is already protected by court precedent, federal statutes and existing state law. The ACLU opposes unnecessarily harsh punishment that does not fit the crime.

Sponsors:
Senators Mehlhaff (prime), Crabtree, Deibert, and Perry and Representatives Odenbach (prime) and Hansen

Related Issues

Religious Liberty View All Issues