SD SB179

Amends South Dakota law to add weapons offenses (under §§ 22-14-5, 22-14-7, 22-14-20, 23-7-44, or subdivision 22-30A-17(2)) to the list of offenses that can qualify a juvenile for commitment to the Department of Corrections

Commitment to the Department of Corrections requires a judge to find no viable alternative exists and that it is the least restrictive option available

Other existing qualifying offenses for DOC commitment include crimes of violence, sex crimes, second-degree burglary, offenses eligible for transfer to adult court, and felony sexual registry offenses

Courts retain a range of alternative dispositions including restitution, fines up to $1,000, probation, community service (up to 90 days), detention (up to 90 days), and alternative educational programs