Two child‑support bills were defeated Tuesday, but a third measure dealing with child custody will move forward.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to kill SB 162 and SB 163, both aimed at changing how child‑support payments are calculated.
Officials from the Department of Social Services and members of the state’s Child Support Commission opposed the bills, saying any changes should come through the commission’s regular process.
However, the committee advanced SB 224, which creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of joint physical custody.
Supporters — including several single fathers and family‑law attorneys — argued the bill promotes healthier outcomes for children and reduces costly legal battles.
Opponents, including the South Dakota Trial Attorneys Association, said judges already award joint custody when appropriate and warned the bill could oversimplify complex family situations.
SB 224 passed 4–3 and now heads to the full Senate.
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