This bill amends South Dakota law regarding the nomination process for candidates seeking election to a school district board. It stipulates that candidates must disclose their party affiliation on their formal declaration of candidacy, unless they are enlisted members of the South Dakota National Guard or members of the armed forces. The bill also clarifies that candidates must be resident voters of the school district and that a nominating petition must be filed with the business manager of the school district, which must include signatures from at least twenty voters.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the petition can only be circulated ten weeks prior to the election and must be verified under oath by the circulator. The business manager is responsible for verifying the candidate's residency and the petition's signature count. Once verified, the filing of the nominating petition constitutes the candidate's nomination and allows their name to be placed on the ballot for the specified term.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 13-7-6
House Education Engrossed, 02/13/2025: 13-7-6