A bill aimed at restricting child marriage in South Dakota advanced Thursday after lawmakers added a new requirement limiting the age gap between minors and their partners to no more than four years.
Senate Bill 159, sponsored by Sen. Tom Pischke, sets 18 as the standard marriage age but allows 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to marry with parental consent or a judge’s approval. Current law allows minors of any age to marry with parental consent.
The original bill permitted an age gap of up to 10 years, but senators narrowed it to four after concerns about potential loopholes. Supporters said the change strengthens protections, but opponents argued the bill still allows forced marriages and urged lawmakers to adopt a no‑exceptions ban.
Some officials also raised concerns about verifying parental consent and age differences. Sen. Amber Hulse offered the amendment reducing the age gap, which passed 5–2. Pischke opposed the change, arguing it conflicts with the state’s age of consent law.
The committee ultimately approved the amended bill on a 5–2 vote.
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