The bill amends the existing law regarding the composition and appointment of county extension board members in South Dakota. It specifies that after the county commissioners vote to establish cooperative extension work, they shall appoint a county extension board consisting of five or seven members. At least two of these members must be farmers, and at least one member must be a county commissioner, who may also be one of the farmer representatives. The bill also emphasizes that no individual can be denied membership based on sex, race, color, creed, or national origin, and that the board's membership must reflect the racial diversity of the county and the various interest groups served by extension.

Additionally, the bill introduces staggered terms for board members, ranging from one to three years, with terms expiring on January 10 each year. The county extension board is required to organize and elect a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer from its members at its first meeting after January 10 each year. These changes aim to enhance the representation and inclusivity of the county extension boards while ensuring effective governance and leadership within the cooperative extension work.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/21/2026: 13-54-11