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SD SJR508

Joint Resolution

Status

Engrossed

2/24/2026

Primary Sponsor

Steve Kolbeck

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Removes the lieutenant governor's role as president of the Senate, eliminating their authority to preside over Senate proceedings and cast tie-breaking votes when senators are equally divided

  • Amends Article IV, § 5 of the South Dakota Constitution to limit the lieutenant governor's duties to only those delegated by the Governor

  • Repeals Article XVI, § 6, which prohibited the lieutenant governor from serving on the impeachment court during trials of the Governor

  • Requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect as a constitutional amendment

  • Updates gendered language from "him" to "the lieutenant governor" in the remaining constitutional text

Legislative Description

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, removing the lieutenant governor as presiding officer of the Senate.

Senate Joint Resolution

Last Action

House of Representatives Do Pass, Failed, YEAS 25, NAYS 42. H.J. 514

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

State Affairs2/25/2026
State Affairs2/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available