The bill amends various sections of South Dakota's municipal government laws, focusing on the appointment and responsibilities of municipal officers, including mayors and other appointed officials. Key changes include a requirement for a majority vote of all aldermen to fill a mayoral vacancy, with the appointed individual serving until the next regular municipal election. The bill clarifies the roles of the mayor pro tempore, outlines the appointment process for municipal officers, and mandates that appointed officers take an oath of office and file necessary documentation with the municipal finance officer. Additionally, it addresses eligibility criteria for holding elective office, the removal process for appointed officers, and the establishment of civil service systems for municipal employees.

Further amendments streamline the processes for enacting, amending, and repealing ordinances and resolutions, allowing municipalities to seek injunctive relief and establish penalties for violations. The bill introduces provisions regarding the mayor's veto power, specifying that a mayor cannot veto certain ordinances if passed by a two-thirds vote. It also clarifies publication requirements for ordinances and mandates access to ordinance books in various formats. Notably, the bill establishes personal liability for corporate officers and partners regarding tax obligations, while repealing several provisions related to municipal finance officers and guaranteed income programs to enhance operational efficiency and compliance with legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 9-8-2, 9-8-3, 9-14-2, 9-14-3, 9-14-4, 9-14-5, 9-14-6, 9-14-9, 9-14-10, 9-14-12, 9-14-13, 9-14-14, 9-14-15, 9-14-16, 9-14-16.1, 9-14-17, 9-14-22, 9-14-23, 9-14-24, 9-14-26, 9-14-27, 9-14-29, 9-14-30, 9-14-33, 9-14-35.1, 9-14-36, 9-14-37, 9-14-39, 9-14-42, 9-14-43, 9-18-2, 9-18-3, 9-19-1, 9-19-3, 9-19-3.1, 9-19-5, 9-19-7, 9-19-8, 9-19-9, 9-19-10, 9-19-11, 9-19-12, 9-19-13, 9-19-14, 9-19-14.1, 9-19-15, 9-19-16, 9-19-17, 9-19-18, 10-33A-18, 10-45-55, 10-46-47.1, 10-46A-13, 10-46B-11, 23A-1-1, 9-14-6.1, 9-14-7, 9-14-18, 9-14-19, 9-14-20, 9-14-21, 9-14-31, 9-14-32, 9-19-22