This bill amends South Dakota Codified Laws to clarify the meaning of the term "must" in legal contexts. It establishes that the term "must" indicates a mandatory directive, leaving no room for discretion in the execution of the specified action. Additionally, the bill reinforces that the term "shall" also signifies a mandatory directive without any discretion.

The amendment specifically modifies section 2-14-2.1, ensuring that both "must" and "shall" are understood as terms that require compliance without optionality. This clarification aims to enhance the precision of legal language and ensure consistent interpretation in legal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/16/2025: 2-14-2.1
Enrolled, 03/03/2025: 2-14-2.1