The bill amends Section 1-25-2 of South Dakota law to revise the requirements for holding executive sessions and closed meetings. It specifies that such meetings may only be conducted for certain purposes, including discussing the character, competence, and performance of public officers or employees, student discipline and eligibility, legal counsel consultations regarding litigation, contract negotiations, and various safety and security matters. Notably, the bill introduces new categories for discussion, such as emergency response plans and the handling of sensitive information related to public safety and property protection.

Additionally, the bill establishes procedural requirements for entering executive sessions, mandating that a majority vote of the public body is necessary, and that any vote must be recorded by roll call if not unanimous. It emphasizes that discussions during these sessions must be limited to the specified purposes and that any official actions must occur in an open meeting. The bill also clarifies that nothing in the law prevents executive sessions if required or permitted by federal or state statutes. Violations of these provisions are classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/06/2026: 1-25-2