The bill amends South Dakota law to increase penalties for operating drones over specific facilities, including prisons, correctional facilities, jails, juvenile detention facilities, and military installations. Under the revised law, such actions are classified as a Class 6 felony unless the operator has explicit authorization from the facility's administrator. Additionally, law enforcement officers are granted the authority to employ mitigation techniques and countermeasures in response to violations of this provision.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that empowers the Department of Public Safety to establish rules regarding the nature and scope of these mitigation techniques and countermeasures. It also mandates the development and implementation of a training program for law enforcement officers to ensure they are equipped to effectively select and utilize these measures in response to drone-related violations.

Statutes affected:
House Military and Veterans Affairs Engrossed, 02/20/2026: 50-15-3
Enrolled, 03/09/2026: 50-15-3