South Dakota lawmakers withdrew a record number of bills during the 2026 legislative session, which also saw the highest bill count in nearly 30 years.
Forty‑nine bills and resolutions were pulled before their first committee hearing—the most since rule changes in 2014 allowed sponsors to withdraw them. Lawmakers introduced 571 bills, the largest total since 1998.
Lawmakers often withdraw bills because they’re unworkable, duplicative, or no longer needed. This year saw multiple examples of duplication, including two withdrawn proposals banning cell‑cultured protein. Gov. Larry Rhoden ultimately vetoed another version of the ban but suggested a five‑year moratorium as a compromise.
Other withdrawals included measures dealing with TIF districts, raw milk sales, excise‑tax exemptions, hunting seasons, alternative instruction, AI regulation, drone limits, and public‑transit studies.
The previous record for withdrawn bills was 38 in 2024.
Comments