The bill amends sections 3-12C-602 and 3-12C-1208 of the South Dakota Retirement System to streamline the member identification process for withdrawing accumulated contributions and applying for retirement benefits. Specifically, it removes the requirement for members to submit a copy of their current driver’s license or other government-issued picture identification when applying for these benefits. Instead, members are now required to submit their applications to the executive director on a form approved by the system. Additionally, the language clarifies that if a member is married, their spouse must sign the application form rather than providing their identification.

Furthermore, the bill maintains the provision that a member who withdraws their accumulated contributions forfeits all credited service and benefits. It also allows married members to bypass the requirement for their spouse's signature if they certify, under penalty of perjury, that they are unable to obtain it due to specific circumstances, such as not knowing the spouse's whereabouts or facing exceptional circumstances. In such cases, the member must elect a sixty percent joint and survivor benefit and provide supporting documentation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/06/2026: 3-12C-602, 3-12C-1208