The bill amends several sections of South Dakota law to modify the requirements for ambulance operators and the use of blue lights on vehicles. Specifically, it removes the requirement for ambulance operators to be certified under chapter 36-4B and instead stipulates that they must meet new requirements outlined in section 4 of the Act. These requirements include being at least eighteen years old, possessing a driver's license, and being licensed as emergency medical services personnel, a firefighter, or a law enforcement officer, or providing documentation of CPR training and completion of an emergency vehicle operator course. Additionally, the bill clarifies that ambulance operators may operate an ambulance in excess of the speed limit without audible signals when outside municipal limits.

The bill also updates the definitions and responsibilities of emergency medical services personnel, including the removal of certain certification requirements and the establishment of new educational and training criteria. It mandates that the ambulance service maintain documentation of compliance with the new operator requirements and provides for the board to regulate the professional conduct of emergency medical services personnel. Furthermore, it repeals a previous provision regarding the certification process for ambulance operators, streamlining the requirements to align with the new standards set forth in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/01/2026: 32-17-42, 32-31-4, 34-11-12, 36-4B-1, 36-4B-31, 36-4B-35, 36-4B-42, 36-4B-41
House Health and Human Services Engrossed, 01/20/2026: 32-17-42, 32-31-4, 34-11-12, 36-4B-1, 36-4B-31, 36-4B-35, 36-4B-42, 36-4B-41