The bill amends South Dakota law to redefine "law enforcement officer" to explicitly include tribal law enforcement officers. The new definition clarifies that a law enforcement officer is responsible for preventing, detecting, or prosecuting crimes and enforcing criminal or highway traffic laws. This includes officers, prosecutors, agents, or employees from the state, its political subdivisions, the United States, and Indian tribes who assist in enforcing state laws or prosecuting crimes within the state. The previous, more general definition has been deleted to make way for this more detailed inclusion, which aims to enhance collaboration and clarity in law enforcement responsibilities across jurisdictions.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new definitions relevant to criminal law and firearms regulations, including terms such as "Seller," "Serious bodily injury," "Short rifle," and "Short shotgun," among others. These definitions provide a precise legal framework for their application in various contexts. The bill also deletes a previously defined term, indicating a refinement of legal language for clarity and relevance. Overall, the amendments aim to improve the understanding and application of these terms within the legal system, particularly concerning criminal prosecution and firearm regulation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/26/2025: 22-1-2