The bill amends existing laws regarding the requirements for petitions to initiate measures or constitutional amendments and to refer laws in South Dakota. Key changes include the requirement for petition sponsors to file their petitions in both physical and electronic formats with the secretary of state at least one year before the next general election. The petitions must include the full text of the proposed measure or amendment, the date of the election, a title and explanation prepared by the attorney general, a fiscal note if applicable, and a notarized affidavit from each petition sponsor. Additionally, the bill mandates that the title of the petition be printed on both sides of the petition sheet, with specific font size requirements.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that each petition circulator must provide a handout to individuals signing the petition, which includes essential information such as the title of the measure, contact details of the sponsors, and whether the circulator is a volunteer or paid. The signatures for initiated measures and amendments must be submitted by the first Tuesday in May of the election year, while signatures for referred laws must be filed within ninety days after the legislature adjourns. The State Board of Elections is tasked with prescribing the form and size of the petitions, ensuring compliance with the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/23/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-3.1
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 02/10/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-3.1
House State Affairs Engrossed, 03/03/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-3.1
Conference Committee Engrossed, 03/12/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-3.1
Enrolled, 03/13/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-3.1