This bill amends South Dakota Codified Laws to clarify the meaning of the term "must" in legal contexts. It specifies that "must" indicates a mandatory directive, leaving no room for discretion in the execution of the action it refers to. Additionally, the bill reinforces that the term "shall" carries the same mandatory connotation, ensuring that both terms are understood as requiring compliance without optionality.

The amendment to section 2-14-2.1 serves to eliminate any ambiguity regarding these terms in legal language, thereby promoting clarity and consistency in the interpretation of laws and directives within the state.

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