HB 1169, which would have established a stringent local signature requirement for constitutional ballot initiatives in South Dakota, will not become law

HB 1169 would have established a stringent local signature requirement for constitutional ballot initiatives in South Dakota

HB 1169, passed by legislators in Pierre earlier this month, would create “serious legal ambiguity” by establishing local signature requirements for proposed 2026 constitutional ballot initiatives based on election figures that have not been reported by South Dakota election officials

Press Release: “Protect Our Initiatives Coalition” Unites to Defend South Dakota’s Initiative Process Against Legislative Overreach

Press Release: South Dakota Legislative Committee Approves Bill to Restrict Ballot Initiative Process 

The coalition is opposing HJR 5003, a proposal under consideration in Pierre that would require future constitutional amendments to receive 60% support from voters in order to pass

The Voter Defense Association of South Dakota strongly opposes HJR 5003.

Opponents say the bill is an unnecessary disruption to ongoing signature gathering campaigns and undermines the ballot initiative process