South Dakota legislation · 101st Legislature (2026)
South Dakota HB1024: modify requirements for ambulance operators.
Status: Signed into law, February 9, 2026
What the bill says
An Act ENTITLED An Act to modify requirements for ambulance operators.
From the enrolled text, February 2, 2026:
An Act ENTITLED An Act to modify requirements for ambulance operators. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That § 32-17-42 be AMENDED: 32-17-42. A motor vehicle may be equipped with blue lights if it is: (1) Authorized by the Department of Transportation; (2) A tow truck or wrecker as defined in § 32-17-10; or (3) Operated by: (a) A member of a fire department or search and rescue unit; or (b) An ambulance operator who meets the requirements of section 4 of this Act. This provision does not relieve the driver of the vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street, nor does it protect the driver from the consequence of a reckless disregard for the safety of others. No person may use a blue light unless the person is authorized by this chapter and is operating a Department of Transportation vehicle or a county highway vehicle in performance of winter highway maintenance duties, or the person is actually en route to the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring the person's services and the person has been authorized in writing to use a blue light. Authorization for use of a blue light in accordance with this chapter may be given …
Sponsors
- Tim Walburg (R, HD-008) · primary sponsor
- Eric Emery (D, HD-026)
- Josephine Garcia (R, HD-005)
- Tamara Grove (R, SD-026)
- Jana Hunt (R, HD-028)
- David Kull (R, HD-002)
- Tim Reed (R, 07)
- Curt Voight (R, SD-033)
Latest actions
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Delivered to the Governor
- : Signed by the President
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Certified uncontested, placed on consent
- : Do Pass
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in Senate and referred to Health and Human Services
- : Do Pass Amended
Votes
- Do Pass Amended (January 29, 2026): 33 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Do Pass (January 28, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (January 22, 2026): 67 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (January 20, 2026): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Professions and Occupations, Interim Legislative Committee Bill, Public Health and Safety, Motor Vehicles, Traffic Laws, Emergency Medical Services
Common questions
- What is HB1024?
- HB1024 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (101st Legislature (2026)): modify requirements for ambulance operators.
- What does HB1024 do?
- In its own words: An Act ENTITLED An Act to modify requirements for ambulance operators.
- What is the status of HB1024?
- Signed into law as of February 9, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor (February 9, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1024?
- Tim Walburg (R, HD-008), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1024?
- On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26430
Source: official South Dakota record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.