PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota lawmakers say more work is needed to find a long-term solution for funding emergency medical services across the state.
Members of an interim legislative task force have spent the past several months studying how to improve ambulance and emergency response systems, particularly in rural areas where services often struggle with staffing and funding challenges.
Senator Tim Reed of Brookings says demand for EMS continues to grow statewide, while many ambulance services face financial losses on emergency calls.
Lawmakers have discussed possible funding options, including a tax on vapor products and a one-dollar hotel fee, but say decisions on how to distribute funding will likely require a permanent advisory council made up of EMS providers, medical professionals, and public safety officials.
Representative Jana Hunt of Dupree says access to emergency care remains a major concern in rural South Dakota, where some residents live an hour or more from the nearest emergency room.
The task force is scheduled to hold its final meeting in October before presenting recommendations ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
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