This bill amends South Dakota law to require the Department of Health to accept medical records from veterans applying for a medical cannabis registry identification card. Specifically, it introduces a new section that mandates the issuance of a registry identification card to qualifying patients who are veterans, provided they submit specific documentation, including medical records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating a debilitating medical condition, proof of honorable discharge, and other standard application requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language in section 34-20G-29, clarifying the application process and requirements for all qualifying patients, including veterans. Notable changes include the waiver of application fees for patients who undergo a follow-up assessment within sixty days of receiving a written certification, and the specification that a patient may only receive one fee waiver per calendar year. The bill also defines "veteran" for the purposes of this section, ensuring that the criteria for eligibility are clear and consistent.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/02/2026: 34-20G-29