The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the issuance of nondomiciled commercial learner's permits and commercial driver licenses. It specifies that only individuals with lawful, employment-based nonimmigrant status in specific visa categories (H-2A, H-2B, or E-2) or those domiciled in U.S. territories with the same visa status are eligible to apply. Additionally, non-citizen applicants, excluding lawful permanent residents, must provide an unexpired foreign passport and a form I-94 or I-94A indicating their employment-based nonimmigrant status at every issuance, transfer, renewal, and upgrade. The bill also mandates that the department verify the applicant's immigration status through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system and retain application documents for at least two years.

Furthermore, the bill outlines several conditions for the issuance and renewal of nondomiciled commercial licenses, including that the expiration date must align with the form I-94 or I-94A, the applicant must be present for renewals, and the department must downgrade the license if the holder is found ineligible. The term "nondomiciled" must be displayed on the license, and applicants must surrender any nondomiciled licenses from other states. The bill allows for the renewal of licenses without a skills or knowledge test if the license has been expired for less than one year, provided the applicant presents valid evidence of their authorization to stay in the U.S.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 32-12A-13
House Transportation Engrossed, 02/24/2026: 32-12A-13
Enrolled, 03/04/2026: 32-12A-13