The bill amends existing laws regarding the authority of the South Dakota State Historical Society Board of Trustees in relation to state-owned historic properties. It establishes that a property owned by the state or any political subdivision cannot be listed on the state register of historic places without the express written consent of the relevant agency or office. Additionally, the board is tasked with adopting standards in rule for both the listing and continued listing of historic properties on the state register, ensuring these standards align with federal preservation guidelines.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any state or political subdivision project that may encroach upon, damage, or destroy historic properties must notify the South Dakota State Historical Society office, which will have the opportunity to investigate and comment on the project. The office can also request a public hearing if necessary. If the office determines that a project will harm a historic property, it cannot proceed until the Governor or governing body makes a written determination that there are no feasible alternatives and that all planning to minimize harm has been considered. The bill also clarifies that listing a property on the national register automatically lists it on the state register, and state-owned properties must be removed from the state register upon request by the relevant agency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/05/2025: 1-19A-5, 1-19A-11.1