A bill requiring high school coaches to report suspected abuse and neglect won unanimous support Friday from the South Dakota House Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 1187, sponsored by Rep. Mary Fitzgerald, R‑St. Onge, originally proposed making all coaches—paid or volunteer, in school or non‑school activities—mandatory reporters. Supporters argued that coaches often build close relationships with students and are in a position to notice signs of abuse.
One remote opponent, youth coach Zac Martin, warned that expanding the mandate could burden volunteers and overwhelm social workers with unnecessary reports.
Concerns also surfaced about young volunteer coaches, including teenagers. In response, lawmakers adopted an amendment from Rep. Will Mortenson, R‑Fort Pierre, narrowing the bill to apply only to coaches involved in South Dakota High School Activities Association‑sanctioned programs.
Several lawmakers spoke in favor of the measure, including Rep. Peri Pourier, R‑Pine Ridge, who described mandatory reporting as critical in communities where silence is common. Rep. Jana Hunt, R‑Dupree, expressed frustration with Child Protection Services’ response to reports in her area but ultimately supported the bill.
HB 1187 now heads to the full House on the consent calendar.
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