Larry Rhoden

Governor Rhoden announced this week a change in state mathematics standards that were officially adopted on a unanimous vote from the state Board of Education Standards. Rhoden characterized the new standards as moving away from Common Core toward what he described as common sense approaches. Educators including Douglas School District secondary education executive director Courtney Crosswait indicated that implementing the new standards would require a curriculum adoption process typically spanning one to two years to bring teachers into the implementation process.

Rhoden hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on April 22, 2026 for a new 1,500-bed men's penitentiary in Sioux Falls funded at $650 million, representing the state's largest single public safety investment. The facility is designed to replace an operational prison constructed in the late 1800s that state lawmakers had characterized as inadequate. Rhoden stated at the ceremony that the new facility demonstrates a renewed focus on rehabilitation.

Rhoden announced the establishment of the South Dakota Defense Institute at the Black Hills Defense Symposium in Box Elder. The institute represents a $5 million allocation intended to leverage defense contracts and subcontracts to develop the state economy. Rhoden stated the initiative would provide coordinated infrastructure and communication channels for businesses to engage with defense-related economic opportunities in the state.

Governor Rhoden vetoed HB 1077, which prohibited the sale of cell-cultured meat in South Dakota, stating the bill exceeded appropriate scope; the Legislature subsequently passed a compromise measure establishing a five-year moratorium on the product. Rhoden also vetoed HB 1138, which required non-medical home care agencies to obtain state licensure, citing concerns that the legislation was overly broad and emphasized administrative requirements over care quality. Both vetoes were considered by lawmakers on the final day of the 2026 legislative session, with override attempts requiring a two-thirds majority in each chamber.

Governor Rhoden signed HB1082 into law, legislation that expands eligibility for free and reduced school lunches in South Dakota schools. The bill carries an estimated annual cost to the state of approximately $600,000. The measure passed the state House with wide support but faced difficulty in the Senate, where it was briefly tabled by appropriators before being revived on the chamber floor.

Rhoden signed SB 175, legislation requiring proof of citizenship for individuals registering to vote for the first time in South Dakota. Acceptable documentation under the bill includes a driver's license issued after July 1, 2025, a tribal ID card, or a photocopy of a passport or birth certificate. The requirement applies only to new voter registrants, while voters already registered to vote are not required to provide proof of citizenship when updating their registration due to address or name changes.

Governor Rhoden vetoed House Bill 1138, legislation that would have required non-medical home care agencies to obtain state licensure before operating in South Dakota. The bill applied to agencies providing personal or house care services to individuals for non-medical reasons, particularly the elderly and people with dementia. In his veto letter, Rhoden stated that while he supported the bill's stated objective, he determined the regulatory framework was too broad and would create a false sense of consumer protection given limitations on the state's ability to review license applications.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 135, known as the "Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens," which updated state regulations governing data centers. The legislation requires larger data centers to pay for any increases in electricity rates they cause rather than passing those costs to local customers and establishes new water usage regulations. The bill also prevents the state from preempting county or city data center ordinances.

Rhoden signed legislation providing loans to South Dakota's two largest airports in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, with each airport eligible to receive up to $15 million. The bill was amended during the legislative process to remove more comprehensive transfers from state housing infrastructure funds that were included in the original proposal. The signing ceremony took place in Rapid City's main concourse with Democratic Representative Nicole Uhre-Balk in attendance.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 102, which increases the amount of gambling revenue allocated to support Deadwood's historic preservation fund. The bill directs a greater portion of gambling revenue from Deadwood to both local and statewide historic preservation efforts. Rhoden signed the legislation during a visit to Deadwood, stating that the measure helps secure the historic city's future.

Governor Rhoden signed SB 39, legislation that repeals South Dakota's industrial hemp program and transfers regulatory authority over hemp farming to the USDA. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources introduced the bill, citing that the state program was not financially sustainable, with fees from hemp farmers covering only 11 percent of program expenses while the remainder was funded through general appropriations. The action aligns with recent regulatory changes made by Nebraska and other regional states.

Rhoden signed two bills aimed at reducing property taxes, which Rhoden characterized as the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history. The legislation became law following Rhoden's signature. Analysis of the bills' impact indicated varying assessments regarding their effectiveness for South Dakota residents.

Governor Rhoden signed nine criminal justice bills introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley during the 2026 legislative session, with one bill awaiting Rhoden's signature. Jackley's legislation addressed multiple criminal justice matters, including regulation of Delta-8 and Delta-9 drugs and restrictions on political candidates and committees accepting donations from foreign nationals. All ten bills brought by the Attorney General's office passed out of the Legislature.

Rhoden advanced Senate Bill 96, a tax package that creates an opt-in system allowing counties to replace property tax reductions with increased local sales taxes through voter petition and election processes. The measure applies on a county-by-county basis and requires voter approval, with implementation expected primarily in counties with the highest property tax burdens. Rhoden characterized the proposal as a targeted approach to provide tax relief to counties experiencing the greatest fiscal impact.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 96 and Senate Bill 245 into law on March 12, 2026, legislation designed to address property tax increases in South Dakota. SB 96 permits counties to implement a sales tax to offset property tax reductions, while SB 245 establishes a state-backed homeowner property tax relief fund. The bills were signed during a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda attended by lawmakers and media.

The South Dakota Legislature approved a $7.47 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, representing a 2% increase from the current fiscal year. The budget included a 1.4% inflationary increase to the "Big Three" — state employee salaries, K-12 education, and community health care service providers — an increase from the 0% figure originally proposed by Rhoden. The budget also provided funding for a new women's prison in Rapid City, backfilling of federal cuts, and dollars for rural access hospitals.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 124, legislation that establishes a five-year moratorium on the sale of cell-cultured protein in South Dakota. The bill came after Rhoden vetoed earlier legislation that would have completely prohibited the product, citing concerns that an outright ban could expose the state to legal challenges. SB 124 implements a temporary restriction while allowing time for further study of cell-cultured protein products' health and safety characteristics.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 164 and Senate Bill 180 in March 2026, both relating to commercial driver license requirements. SB 164 requires CDL holders to demonstrate proficiency in English, while SB 180 establishes immigration status requirements for CDL qualification. Rhoden stated that these measures align with federal directives to prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining CDLs and cited public safety as the basis for the licensing standard changes.

Rhoden signed HB 1084 into law, which prohibits the publication of personal information such as home addresses of law enforcement officers and judges without permission, a practice known as doxing. Rhoden also signed HB 1007, which amends the legal definition of law enforcement officer to include tribal law enforcement officers. The bills were part of a group of public safety-related legislation signed by Rhoden during the week of March 10, 2026.

Governor Rhoden indicated openness to combining Senate Bill 96, his original tax package featuring an opt-in county sales tax system for property tax relief, with Senate Bill 245, a legislative proposal that creates a property tax relief fund from the state's reserve fund. The merged proposal gained momentum in the statehouse as the legislative session progressed. Rhoden acknowledged the extended process required to bring the combined package to completion.

Rhoden signed HB 1056, legislation that bans the use of SNAP funds to purchase soft drinks and requests a federal waiver to exclude soft drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The bill passed both chambers of the legislature with supporters citing health and nutrition concerns, though Rhoden had expressed concerns about administrative costs estimated at $300,000 over two years and $250,000 annually thereafter. In signing the bill on Wednesday, Rhoden wrote a letter to lawmakers stating disagreement with the legislative process.

Governor Rhoden advanced Senate Bill 96, legislation that allows counties to opt-in to a higher sales tax to fund local property tax relief, which passed the House State Affairs Committee and moved toward final passage. The bill was paired with Senate Bill 245, a vehicle bill creating a homeowner property tax reduction fund with nearly $56 million transferred from the general revenue replacement fund. Both pieces of legislation cleared the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday morning, with SB 96 requiring one additional vote before reaching the governor's desk.

Rhoden signed legislation during the 2026 legislative session that authorized the state to spend $189 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding received by South Dakota. The Department of Health subsequently announced a second round of requests for proposals under the Rural Health Transformation initiative to support implementation efforts through leadership and project management roles. The federal funding originated from provisions in President Trump's legislative package.

Governor Rhoden vetoed legislation that would have implemented a ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cell-cultured proteins in South Dakota, citing concerns about potential legal challenges and free market principles. Rhoden instead endorsed Senate Bill 124, which enacts a five-year moratorium on cell-cultured protein products rather than an outright ban. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee subsequently advanced Senate Bill 124, which allows for future legislative reconsideration of the issue after the moratorium period concludes.

The South Dakota Legislature passed House Bill 1056, which directs the state Department of Social Services to request a federal waiver to exclude soft drinks from items purchasable with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds. If the federal waiver is approved, soft drinks containing natural or artificial sweeteners would be banned for SNAP recipients in South Dakota within six months, with exceptions for products such as milk and milk substitutes. Governor Rhoden did not indicate whether he would sign or veto the legislation.

A property tax relief package backed by Governor Rhoden cleared the South Dakota Senate in February 2026. The bill provides targeted property tax relief through county-level votes on the imposition of a county sales tax. The measure represents a major legislative step for the governor's proposal, which faced significant divisions within the statehouse over property tax policy.

Rhoden advanced Senate Bill 96 through the South Dakota Senate Taxation Committee, a property tax relief proposal that would allow residents to supplement lower property taxes with local sales tax increases on a county-by-county basis. The bill represents one of multiple proposals under legislative consideration during the 2026 session focused on property tax policy. The committee's approval marked the first procedural hurdle for the governor's plan, though no mandate exists requiring lawmakers to pass property tax legislation in the current cycle.

Governor Rhoden announced a plan in October to provide state-backed aid for airport expansion in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Senate Bill 76, which emerged from this plan, would authorize the use of the state's Housing Infrastructure Fund to provide zero-percent interest loans of up to $15 million to each airport, with repayment required over 20 years and all loans to be funded by July 1, 2030. The bill advanced unanimously from the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee on February 19, 2026.

Governor Rhoden vetoed legislation that would have banned the sale of cell-cultured meat in South Dakota. The bill sought to prohibit a hypothetical market before it existed, based largely on speculation and distrust rather than evidence. Rhoden determined that the government should not preemptively outlaw lawful products, allowing market mechanisms and consumer choice to determine the product's viability.

Rhoden vetoed HB 1077, legislation that would have prohibited the sale of cell-cultured protein in South Dakota by classifying it as an adulterated food. In his veto statement, Rhoden cited concerns about fairness and potential legal liability for the state. Rhoden indicated openness to an amended version of the legislation in the current legislative session.

The South Dakota legislature passed House Bill 1077, which classifies cell-cultivated protein products as adulterated food in the state, a designation that prevents such products from being sold on South Dakota shelves. The bill was sent to the governor for consideration following Senate approval. The measure applies the adulterated food classification to cultivated-protein products despite the absence of such items currently being sold in South Dakota.

Rhoden signed HB 1044 on January 29, 2026, which appropriates funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program, making it the first bill he signed into law during the 2026 legislative session. The Rural Health Transformation Program is a five-year federal initiative funded through President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and is designed to strengthen health care systems in rural communities. Rhoden had previously indicated in his State of the State address that he hoped this bill would be the first legislation to reach his desk.

Rhoden requested an opinion from the South Dakota state Supreme Court regarding the constitutional authority of the lieutenant governor to cast a tie-breaking vote in the state Senate. The request arose from a specific instance in which Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen cast a tie-breaking vote on a bill that had deadlocked 17-17, with one senator absent. The inquiry sought clarification on the intersection of two constitutional provisions: one granting the lieutenant governor tie-breaking authority and another requiring a majority of elected members for bill passage.

Governor Rhoden announced his Homeowner Tax Relief Proposal during a press conference on Monday. The Employer's Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund, a fund controlled solely by the governor, became the subject of legislative oversight efforts during the session. Senate Bill 1 was introduced to require the Governor's Office of Economic Development to create rules around the fund and mandate that all disbursements be approved by the state's Board of Economic Development.

Governor Rhoden issued an executive order on Thursday establishing guardrails for the Employer's Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund, a fund supported by employer taxes that was created in 1987 and remains at the governor's discretion. The executive order came as a bill providing additional legislative oversight of the fund stalled in the Senate State Affairs Committee on Friday due to a 4-4 vote with one excused absence. The Future Fund statute permits expenditures for purposes related to research and economic development in the state.

Rhoden issued an executive order establishing guardrails on the Future Fund, which is supported by a tax on employers. The executive order was announced as part of a broader set of policy actions during the 2026 legislative session. The specific parameters and restrictions established by the executive order were not detailed in the announcement.

Rhoden proposed a property tax relief plan that would allow counties to implement a half-cent sales tax paired with reduced property tax rates for owners. Rhoden stated that his plan differs from other proposals under consideration, asserting that alternative approaches fail to target relief to areas with the greatest need. The proposal emerged amid approximately two dozen property tax-related legislative measures being debated in South Dakota during the 2026 election cycle.

Rhoden signed an executive order on January 14, 2026, formally renaming the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications to the Bureau of Information Technology, commonly referred to as BIT. The department had informally adopted the new name in the previous year, and the executive order finalized the change and filed it with the Legislature in accordance with state law. The name change took effect on April 13, 2026.

Governor Rhoden stated that his primary legislative priority heading into the 2026 session is passage of a balanced budget, which he had presented several weeks prior at his budget address. Rhoden also identified property tax relief as a high-priority issue and noted that his administration had introduced legislation allowing individual counties to opt into a property tax relief proposal. Rhoden made these remarks while speaking to approximately 400 attendees at the state Surveyors Convention in Deadwood.

In his recent budget address, Rhoden proposed no funding increases for public schools, state employees, or community health care providers. Rhoden cited relatively flat state revenue as the basis for the spending restrictions. The proposal came amid analysis of state budget allocation practices and revenue projections.

Rhoden announced a $900,000 grant from the Future Fund to Dakota BioWorx in Brookings, South Dakota on December 30, 2025. The announcement represents a continued distribution of Future Fund monies to recipients selected through the grant program. The Future Fund grants have remained a subject of ongoing debate regarding their allocation and use.

Rhoden issued a cease and desist letter to Mayday Health, an organization conducting an advertisement campaign that connected South Dakota residents to abortion resources. The letter directed the organization to halt its advertising activities in the state. Rhoden's action followed the organization's use of targeted ads to inform residents about abortion access options.

Rhoden announced a budget allocation of $4 million in one-time funding for a new James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls. The facility will increase student capacity by 150 across several programs and include more than 25,000 square feet of new and renovated space with state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and collaborative areas. Rhoden stated the center will create career opportunities for students in advanced manufacturing fields.

Rhoden delivered his first budget address as governor on December 2, 2025, presenting a fiscal year 2027 spending plan for South Dakota. The budget proposal emphasized fiscal restraint in response to revenue conditions characterized as largely flat. Rhoden outlined the spending priorities and allocations that would guide state expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year.

Governor Larry Rhoden selected Judge Robert Gusinsky to replace retiring Judge Janine Kern on the South Dakota Supreme Court. Gusinsky previously served as a judge in the 7th Judicial Circuit. This appointment was subsequently filled by Judge Heidi L. Linngren, who became the presiding judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Governor Rhoden appointed Judge Robert Gusinsky to the South Dakota Supreme Court on November 4, 2025. Gusinsky filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Janine Kern. The appointment was announced by the governor's office on that date.

Rhoden announced a plan to provide zero percent interest loans of up to $15 million each to the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports on October 24, 2025. The loans are intended to support expansion projects at both airports. Rhoden made the announcement at the Sioux Falls airport.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden personally donated funds to illuminate the lights at Mount Rushmore National Memorial during a federal government shutdown. The Mount Rushmore Society, the memorial's official nonprofit partner, facilitated the transfer of funds through its partnership with the National Park Service. Rhoden stated in a release that he refused to allow the monument's lights to be extinguished during the shutdown and that the illumination would continue to serve as a symbol of American freedom.

Governor Rhoden signed Executive Order 2025-08 on October 9, 2025, rescinding 151 executive orders that were no longer necessary or in effect. According to Rhoden's office, the action removed outdated orders that had either expired according to their own terms, been permanently codified, or were no longer required for the organization or operation of the executive branch. Rhoden stated the rescission was intended to ensure government efficiency and adherence to the principle that executive power derives from the consent of the governed.

Rhoden signed legislation approving the construction of a new South Dakota men's penitentiary into law on September 23, 2025. The bill had passed through the state legislature and was signed in the presence of lawmakers and other state officials. The measure authorizes the creation of the new correctional facility.

Rhoden announced the mobilization of 12 South Dakota National Guard members from the 164th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment to Washington D.C. in response to a request from President Donald Trump. The guardsmen, based in Rapid City, were activated to support ongoing operations in the nation's capital under Title 32 status, with an initial deployment expected to last 30 days. Rhoden stated the deployment was intended to assist with law and order efforts and public safety in Washington D.C.

Rhoden established a new page on the official governor's website containing frequently asked questions regarding the funding of a new state prison while lawmakers debated appropriations for the facility. The webpage was created by the executive branch to communicate the governor's perspective on prison funding to the public. The action occurred as the state legislature continued deliberating over how to finance the proposed prison construction.

Governor Rhoden announced that South Dakota National Guard members are working in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of Operation Prairie Thunder, a multi-state deployment involving approximately 1,700 guard members from 19 states. The deployment became effective in August 2025 and is scheduled to continue through mid-November. According to Rhoden's office, the operation includes targeted anti-crime initiatives in the Sioux Falls metro area and a comprehensive effort to support border security and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are criminals.

Rhoden announced that South Dakota has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 148 acres of land in northeast Sioux Falls along Benson Road, the site of a former state prison facility. The acquisition represents the state's action to obtain the property previously used for correctional purposes. Rhoden made the announcement during a press conference on August 8, 2025.

Governor Rhoden issued an executive proclamation calling for a special session of the South Dakota Legislature to convene at 9 a.m. on September 23. The session will consider authorizing funds for construction of a new men's prison facility. The legislature previously authorized the Department of Corrections to purchase land for the new prison and obtain architectural drawings during a prior two-year sabbatical.

Governor Larry Rhoden announced a special legislative session to convene in September 2025 to consider legislation authorizing a new state prison facility. Rhoden signed an Executive Proclamation on July 21, 2025, formally calling the special session to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23. The session was designated to allow the South Dakota Legislature to consider and pass legislation granting the Department of Corrections authority to proceed with the prison project, following recommendations from a prison task force that had reached consensus on the facility's location and design.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced approval of a partnership between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation to enforce federal immigration law targeting violent criminals and drug dealers in the state. Jackley stated the agreement would strengthen public safety through coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies. ICE also approved a separate 287(g) Task Force agreement with the South Dakota Highway Patrol in late May, with federal authorities planning to establish a task force headquarters in Pierre and train DCI agents from Eastern and Western South Dakota to serve as task force officers.

Rhoden called a special legislative session for September 23 to address the construction of a new men's prison facility in South Dakota. The session was scheduled to allow the legislature to vote on whether to proceed with the prison project. This special session represented a distinct action separate from the regular legislative calendar to handle the matter.

Governor Rhoden appointed Brandon Wipf to fill a vacant South Dakota Senate seat representing District 22, which includes the Huron and Redfield area. Wipf, an agriculture advocate, was selected to complete the legislative term for the open position. The appointment was announced by Rhoden's office in July 2025.

Governor Rhoden's office approved a memorandum of agreement between the South Dakota Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agreement authorizes state troopers to provide assistance to ICE in immigration enforcement cases within South Dakota. The specific scope and operational details of the assistance were outlined in the memorandum of agreement released by Rhoden's office.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced that state agencies, including the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation, will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in enforcing federal immigration laws. Rhoden stated the South Dakota Highway Patrol will assist in identifying and apprehending individuals without legal status who may pose a public safety risk. The authorization was made following Rhoden's visit to the U.S.-Mexico border and requires working agreements with ICE under Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that state agencies would establish working agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws following a visit to the U.S. border with Mexico. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation will work with ICE with an emphasis on violent criminals and drug dealers, while the South Dakota Highway Patrol will assist in identifying and apprehending individuals illegally present in the state. Both arrangements operate under Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which authorizes ICE to delegate specified immigration enforcement functions to state and local law enforcement officers.

Governor Rhoden and Attorney General Jackley directed state agencies to enter into agreements to assist the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency with immigration enforcement operations. The directive requested that relevant state agencies establish cooperative arrangements with ICE to support federal immigration enforcement activities. Rhoden announced this action during a visit to South Dakota National Guard troops stationed at the U.S. southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Governor Larry Rhoden signed a bill in March 2025 that permits concealed carry on South Dakota public college campuses. The legislation makes South Dakota one of 19 states allowing concealed carry in this setting. The bill was signed amid ongoing national debate about campus firearms following mass shooting incidents.

Rhoden signed an executive order directing the creation of a system for state employees to report misconduct. The order establishes a mechanism through which state government employees can report instances of improper conduct within their agencies. The executive order represents an action to implement reporting procedures within the state workforce.

Two cabinet members from Rhoden's administration departed their state positions to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Kristi Noem. The departing officials moved from their roles in South Dakota state government to positions within the federal agency. Rhoden did not announce replacements or provide statements regarding the departures at the time of the announcement.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 83, which modified South Dakota's law regarding felony charges for individuals with traces of illegal drugs in their urine without drugs in their possession. The legislation reduced the maximum penalty from its previous level to one year in jail. The bill passed both houses of the state legislature before receiving Rhoden's signature.

Rhoden issued an executive order establishing Project Prison Reset as one of his first official actions as governor. The executive order created an advisory council tasked with exploring the proposed construction of a new men's penitentiary in South Dakota. The order represents Rhoden's initial effort to advance infrastructure and criminal justice facility planning during his administration.

Rhoden announced the Homeowner Tax Relief Proposal, which would grant county governments the option to implement a half-penny sales tax. The proposal was presented during a press conference on Monday, March 31, 2025. The measure would provide counties with an alternative revenue mechanism in relation to property tax relief.

Governor Rhoden signed House Bill 1826, legislation passed by the South Dakota Legislature that requires individuals to use locker rooms and bathrooms aligned with their sex assigned at birth on state-owned property, including public schools. The bill was signed approximately one week before the article's publication date of March 30, 2025. Rhoden stated that the protection of children is paramount in South Dakota in connection with the bill's provisions.

On Friday, March 30, 2025, Rhoden signed legislation providing a $15 million zero-interest loan to the Douglas School District to support construction of a new elementary school estimated to cost $62 million. The loan is to be repaid over 20 years and addresses capacity needs as the district anticipates approximately 1,500 additional students by 2031, partly driven by growth from the nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base. The bill's primary sponsor was State Senator Helene Duhamel of Rapid City.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 6, legislation that provides a $15 million interest-free loan to the Douglas School District to address an identified need. The signing took place alongside West River state lawmakers and Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen. The loan was structured to support the school district's financial requirements without interest charges.

Governor Larry Rhoden signed House Bill 1055 into law on Tuesday, which establishes a 30 consecutive day residency requirement for voting eligibility in South Dakota elections. The bill modifies a previous 2022 requirement that had set the threshold at 30 non-consecutive days, a standard that affected recreational vehicle voters and other full-time travelers. The change applies specifically to individuals who do not maintain a permanent dwelling in the state.

Rhoden signed HB 1208, legislation addressing nonresident voters in South Dakota. The bill was sponsored by Representative Tony Kayser and Senator Sue Peterson. Rhoden also signed additional bills modifying election law procedures in the state during this signing period.

Rhoden vetoed HB 1169 on March 25, 2025, which would have added a geographic requirement to the petition signature gathering process for constitutional amendments in South Dakota. The bill would have required petition signatures to meet certain geographic distribution standards across the state. Rhoden's veto prevented the measure from becoming law.

Rhoden signed three gun bills into law during a ceremony in Mitchell on Monday, March 24, 2025. The signing was attended by State Senator Mykala Voita, State Representatives Kaley Nolz and Aaron Aylward, Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, and NRA lobbyist Brian Gosch. The specific provisions and titles of the three bills were not detailed in the available text.

Governor Rhoden sent a letter to President Trump proposing a location in the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore for the "National Garden of American Heroes," a project first introduced by Trump in 2020. According to Rhoden's letter, a plot of land is available near Mount Rushmore for the site. The garden is intended to memorialize historically significant Americans whose contributions have had a positive impact on the nation, with proposed honorees including George Washington, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harriet Tubman, and Babe Ruth.

Rhoden sent a letter to President Trump requesting that Trump rescind a federal rule implementing a seven-day waiting period for the shipment of firearms and accessories under the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act of 1993. The rule in question establishes a mandatory delay before firearms dealers can complete shipments to customers. Rhoden's letter sought executive action to remove this regulatory requirement.

Rhoden sent a letter to President Trump proposing a location in the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore for the "National Garden of American Heroes," a project first introduced by Trump in 2020. According to the letter, state land is available for the site near Mount Rushmore. Rhoden has taken responsibility for the project following Trump's start of his new term.

Governor Rhoden signed legislation requiring individuals to use public restrooms matching their biological sex in South Dakota. The bill establishes bathroom usage regulations across public facilities in the state. Rhoden's signature made the measure into law in March 2025.

Governor Rhoden signed legislation that clarifies paternal parental rights and modifies the adoption process in South Dakota. The bill addresses legal determinations regarding fathers' rights in cases involving unmarried parents. The signed measure became law in March 2025.

Governor Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 216, legislation designed to address property tax burdens on South Dakota homeowners. The bill limits increases in owner-occupied assessments to three percent statewide for the next five years, sets a three percent cap on taxing district and school capital outlay budget increases, and raises income limits for the assessment freeze program to $44,000 for single-member homes and $61,000 for multi-member homes. Rhoden signed the bill at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on March 13, 2025.

Rhoden signed four bills modifying the authority of the Board of Internal Controls into law. The legislation, referred to as "government accountability" bills, was championed by Attorney General Marty Jackley. The specific provisions and operational changes resulting from these bills were not detailed in the available information.

Governor Rhoden vetoed a bill that would have extended child care assistance to certain child care employees during the 2025 legislative session. The South Dakota House of Representatives voted to uphold Rhoden's veto, preventing the expansion of the existing child care assistance program. The bill would have modified eligibility criteria for the state's child care assistance initiative.

Governor Rhoden vetoed HB 1132 on March 12, 2025, a bill that would have extended financial assistance to child care employees. The veto marked Rhoden's first veto of the legislative session. The specific reasons for the veto were not detailed in the available portion of the Governor's Office communication.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed legislation that prohibits the use of eminent domain to acquire land for carbon capture pipelines, a measure that directly affects the viability of the proposed 2,500-mile Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project. The law prevents Summit from forcing South Dakota landowners to allow the pipeline to cross their property. Rhoden announced the signing of the bill on Thursday, stating that the legislation would make routing the pipeline through the state significantly more difficult.

South Dakota House lawmakers advanced Governor Rhoden's property tax relief bill during the 2025 legislative session. The bill was developed collaboratively by Rhoden and a working group of legislators and aimed to temporarily reduce property tax burdens on South Dakota residents. The measure progressed through the House with support from state legislators.

Rhoden signed legislation that restricts the use of eminent domain for the construction of carbon pipelines in South Dakota. The bill prevents state authorities from seizing private property through eminent domain proceedings for carbon pipeline projects. The action was signed on March 7, 2025.

The South Dakota Senate passed legislation prohibiting the use of eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects and sent the bill to Governor Rhoden for consideration. The bill would restrict the government's ability to seize private property for carbon pipeline development. Rhoden had not yet taken action on the legislation as of the article's publication date in March 2025.

Rhoden signed an executive order on February 28, 2025, to reset the prison project. The executive order initiated a review or restart of the correctional facility initiative. The specific details and scope of the reset were addressed in the accompanying audio report.

The South Dakota House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 83, legislation that reforms the state's felony ingestion charge, sending the bill to the governor's desk on February 27, 2025. State Senator Tamara Grove and State Representative Brian Mulder served as prime sponsors of the measure. The bill now awaits gubernatorial action to become law.

Rhoden signed an executive order on February 27, 2025, establishing a task force to examine alternatives to the proposed men's prison project. The executive order directed a "reset" of the prison construction initiative. The task force was tasked with searching for alternative approaches to address the state's prison needs.

Rhoden appointed Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeremiah Schneider to the position of state Veterans Affairs Secretary, with Schneider assuming the role on March 6. The appointment represents a change in leadership for the state agency responsible for veterans services. Schneider's background includes service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the military.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed into law a bill introduced by Senator Mike Rohl that closes a campaign finance loophole allowing loans to be forgiven as contributions. The legislation was prompted by a situation during the most recent election cycle in which an Aberdeen businessman contributed $100,000 to a political action committee, exceeding the state's $10,000 contribution limit, but later reclassified the contribution as a loan to avoid the restriction. Under the new law, any loan combined with contributions from the same source cannot exceed the contribution limits set in state law.

On February 17, 2025, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced that fireworks would return to Mount Rushmore in 2026 to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. Rhoden stated in a press release that he and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum agreed on the event and thanked Burgum for his assistance in bringing the celebration to life. Rhoden indicated he looked forward to partnering with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday regarding the Mount Rushmore fireworks display.

Governor Rhoden announced that fireworks displays would resume at Mount Rushmore in 2026 as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration. The fireworks had not been conducted at the memorial since 2020. The announcement was made by state government officials in February 2025.

Rhoden unveiled Senate Bill 216, legislation designed to reduce the growth in assessed value of owner-occupied property tax assessments. The bill was developed through collaboration between Rhoden and a working group of state lawmakers. The measure addresses property tax relief through modifications to how owner-occupied properties are assessed for taxation purposes.

Rhoden signed Senate Bill 7 into law, marking his first legislative signature as governor. The bill was signed in February 2025 during the early weeks of his term. The specific provisions and content of SB 7 were not detailed in the available article text.

South Dakota House Bill 1541 advanced from the House Education Committee on February 7, 2025, on an 8-1 vote. The bill would require school districts to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and incorporate them into curriculum across publicly funded elementary, middle, and high schools in South Dakota, with material costs covered by two in-state donors and two out-of-state donors. If passed by the full legislature, the bill would be sent to Governor Larry Rhoden's desk for signature or veto.

Rhoden established a working group composed of lawmakers to address property tax reform in February 2025. The working group was created to examine and develop recommendations regarding property tax policy in South Dakota. The specific composition, timeline, and scope of the working group's deliberations were announced by the governor's office.

Rhoden appointed Jack Kolbeck, a Republican who previously served in the South Dakota State Senate from 2017 onward, to fill a vacancy in House District 13. Kolbeck, from Sioux Falls, was selected to represent the district in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The appointment was announced on February 5, 2025.

Governor Rhoden invited President Donald Trump to attend a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on Independence Day 2026 to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday, according to an announcement from the governor's office on February 3, 2025. Rhoden stated in a letter to Trump that Mount Rushmore was the ideal location for such an event and expressed his intention to work closely with the President to organize the celebration. The governor's office noted that the proposal aligns with Trump's recent establishment of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday and the confirmation of former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior.

Governor Rhoden appointed a state lawmaker to serve as lieutenant governor, creating a vacancy on the committee responsible for setting the state budget. The House Speaker indicated he would spend the weekend considering candidates to fill the vacant committee position. The appointment triggered the need to identify a replacement for the departing legislator's budget committee role.

Larry Rhoden was officially sworn in as the 34th governor of South Dakota in a ceremony held Monday, January 27, 2025, at the State Capitol, with South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen administering the oath. Rhoden succeeded former Governor Kristi Noem, who was confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary by the U.S. Senate. During remarks at the swearing-in ceremony, Rhoden stated he felt obligated to serve the state and its people in his new role.

Kristi Noem resigned as governor of South Dakota following her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Homeland Security. Larry Rhoden, who was serving as lieutenant governor, succeeded Noem as the 54th governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 5 Section 5 of the South Dakota Constitution. Rhoden will select a replacement for the lieutenant governor position, subject to approval by the South Dakota Legislature.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairwoman Janet Alkire endorsed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's appointment as Secretary of Homeland Security. Alkire stated her decision was made with hopes that Noem would support tribal law enforcement efforts in her new role, citing the tribe's ongoing struggles with inadequate law enforcement and resources. The endorsement drew criticism from some members of the Indigenous community, though Alkire noted that Standing Rock was the third tribe to ban Noem from its lands in April 2024 following her previous remarks regarding cartels on tribal land and tribal councils and education.