The bill amends Section 1-46A-5 of the South Dakota law regarding the South Dakota Veterans Council. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs shall consult with the Council on a quarterly basis concerning matters related to veterans and their dependents. Additionally, the Council is tasked with providing recommendations to the department on budgets, legislation, policies, and programs that affect veterans and their dependents.

Furthermore, the composition of the South Dakota Veterans Council is revised to include one representative from several specific organizations, including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National American Indian Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America chapters 1054 and 959. The bill also allows for the inclusion of any other veterans organization chartered by Congress that is invited to join the Council by a unanimous vote of the representatives. This change reflects a broader representation of veterans' organizations within the Council.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/26/2026: 1-46A-5