Feb. 9, 2026: Governor Larry Rhoden signed two bills to strengthen South Dakota’s emergency medical systems (EMS). “Keeping South Dakotans safe is my number one priority, and EMS teams are on the front lines those efforts,” said Rhoden. “These bills give EMS professionals the protections and support they need to respond quickly and effectively – and they give South Dakotans peace of mind knowing help is always within reach.” The following two bills were signed into law: HB 1023 establishes requirements and liability protection for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses serving on ambulance crews; and HB 1024 modifies requirements for ambulance operators. These bills were signed at a signing ceremony with the prime sponsor, members of the Emergency Medical Services Interim Committee, and other stakeholders. Rhoden has signed nine bills into law this legislative session. Courtesy photo.   Feb. 6, 2026: South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed (Feb. 6, 2026) the following six bills into law: SB 5 requires the disclosure of whether a ballot question was proposed by initiative or by the Legislature; SB 56 requires that agencies promulgating permanent rules publish the rules and associated rulemaking forms on a state website; SB 57 clarifies when agency financial resource information must be filed in the permanent administrative rulemaking process; SB 64 revises and repeals provisions related to the athletic commission; SB 84 increases thresholds for the value of and eligibility for the partners in education scholarship; and HB 1033 updates the reference to the Internal Revenue Code to reflect current federal law for the administration of higher education savings plans. Rhoden has signed seven bills into law this legislative session.   Jan. 29, 2026: South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB 1044, which appropriates funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. This is the first bill Governor Rhoden has signed into law this legislative session. “This is a big win for rural South Dakota! This may be the most significant investment in rural healthcare in South Dakota’s history, and it will strengthen our state for our kids and grandkids,” said Rhoden. “By recruiting healthcare professionals, modernizing rural facilities, and expanding access to care, we will ensure South Dakotans in every corner of the state can stay healthy and strong.” The Rural Health Transformation Program is a five-year federal initiative supported by President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill that focuses on strengthening healthcare systems in rural communities. In his State of the State Address, Rhoden said, “I would love it if this was the first bill that reaches my desk.” Rhoden previously announced that the state of South Dakota secured $189.4 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 through this program to support state-led strategies that improve access, innovation, and long-term sustainability in rural health. For more information about South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Project, visit the DOH website. Rhoden signed HB 1044 at a private signing ceremony. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signs House Bill 1044, while bill supporters watch.Jan. 29, 2026.Courtesy photo. ...read more read less