The bill amends South Dakota's existing law regarding loitering within community safety zones and public libraries by specifying that individuals required to register as sex offenders are prohibited from loitering in these areas. The new language clarifies that this prohibition applies even if the individual is observing or contacting a minor for whom they have care and custody. Additionally, the bill introduces exceptions for offenders who were under the age of eighteen at the time of their offense and were not tried as adults, as well as for those who have received a court order exempting them from these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties for violations, categorizing a first offense as a Class 6 felony and any subsequent violations as a Class 5 felony. This legislative change aims to enhance community safety by restricting the presence of registered sex offenders in sensitive areas while also providing specific exemptions to account for certain circumstances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/27/2026: 22-24B-24