The bill amends several sections of South Dakota's child support laws to clarify and update the criteria for determining child support obligations. Notably, it establishes a presumption that a parent is capable of earning an annual gross income based on the state minimum wage multiplied by 1,820 hours. It also outlines specific factors that may justify deviations from the standard child support schedule, including financial hardships, special needs of the child, and the obligations of parents to other children. Additionally, the bill allows for the modification of existing support orders without requiring a change in circumstances until July 1, 2026, and provides guidelines for imputing income to parents who are unemployed or underemployed.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for the handling of support debt notices, requiring timely hearings and the appointment of referees to assess support obligations. It allows for electronic communication of notices and reports if agreed upon by the parties involved. The amendments aim to streamline the child support process, ensure fair assessments of obligations, and accommodate the needs of both parents and children in the support system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/08/2026: 25-7-6.4, 25-7-6.13, 25-7-6.19, 25-7-6.26, 25-7A-6, 25-7A-21.1, 25-8-5
House Judiciary Engrossed, 02/18/2026: 25-7-6.4, 25-7-6.13, 25-7-6.19, 25-7-6.26, 25-7A-6
House Engrossed, 02/23/2026: 25-7-6.4, 25-7-6.10, 25-7-6.13, 25-7-6.19, 25-7-6.26, 25-7A-6
Enrolled, 03/09/2026: 25-7-6.4, 25-7-6.10, 25-7-6.13, 25-7-6.19, 25-7-6.26, 25-7A-6