This bill mandates that school districts in South Dakota display the Ten Commandments in each classroom, requiring the display to be a poster or document of at least eight inches by fourteen inches, with the text printed in a large, easily readable font. Additionally, the bill stipulates that statements highlighting the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in American public education must be displayed near the poster. The bill also allows for the display of other foundational documents, such as the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence, alongside the Ten Commandments, and permits school districts to accept donations for these displays.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to require public schools to include instruction on the Ten Commandments as part of their history and civics curriculum, alongside other key documents like the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It specifies that students must receive this instruction at least once in each of their educational stages from first through twelfth grade. The bill also provides legal protections for school districts and employees against lawsuits related to the display of the Ten Commandments, ensuring that the state will cover legal costs and any related expenses. Additionally, it repeals a previous provision that allowed for the display of the Ten Commandments in a less prominent manner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/09/2025: 13-33-4, 13-24-17.1
Senate Engrossed, 01/29/2025: 13-33-4, 13-24-24, 13-24-17.1