The proposed bill aims to provide legal immunity for volunteer security personnel working for religious organizations in South Dakota. It introduces definitions for key terms, including "religious organization," "security personnel," and "volunteer." The bill specifies that no civil damages can be pursued against volunteer security personnel for their actions while providing safety and security services, nor against the religious organization itself. This immunity extends to situations involving the use of deadly force, as defined in existing law, but explicitly excludes any actions that are deemed unreasonable, reckless, grossly negligent, or wanton.
By establishing these protections, the bill seeks to encourage individuals to serve as security personnel for religious gatherings without the fear of legal repercussions for their actions taken in good faith. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety at religious events while also setting clear boundaries regarding the limits of immunity to ensure accountability in cases of misconduct.