The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the hosting of special pheasant hunts for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients by nonprofit organizations. It specifies that these hunts can take place during the private shooting preserve season, as outlined in section 41-10-11, rather than before or during the regular pheasant season. Additionally, the bill clarifies that no fees may be charged to participants by either the state or the sponsoring organization.

Furthermore, the definition of "disabled veteran" is revised to provide clearer criteria for eligibility. The new definition states that a disabled veteran is a veteran of the armed forces who has been adjudicated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being twenty percent or more disabled due to a service-connected disability or is designated to receive Special Monthly Compensation Level K. This replaces the previous, more complex criteria for determining eligibility. The Game, Fish and Parks Commission is tasked with promulgating rules to administer these special pheasant hunts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/26/2026: 41-11-5.5
House Military and Veterans Affairs Engrossed, 02/26/2026: 41-11-5.5