South Dakota legislation · 101st Legislature (2026)
South Dakota HB1243: require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation.
Status: In committee, February 10, 2026
What the bill says
An Act to require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation.
From the engrossed text, February 6, 2026:
An Act to require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-24: [ADDED: The motto of the State of South Dakota, "Under God the People Rule," must be displayed in each public school. The display must be placed in a prominent location within each public school. The display must be at least eleven inches by eight and one-half inches in size, and may take the form of a mounted plaque, student artwork, or any other appropriate form, as determined by the school principal.] [ADDED: For purposes of this section, "prominent location," means a school entryway, cafeteria, or other common area where students are most likely to see the state motto display.] Section 2. That § 13-24-24 be AMENDED: 13-24-24. For any lawsuit brought or any complaint filed against a school district, an employee of a school district, the board of a school district, or a member thereof as a result of a school district displaying the national motto of the United States in accordance with § 13-24-23 [ADDED: or the motto of this state in accordance with section 1 of this Act] , the attorney general shall provide legal representation …
Sponsors
- Phil Jensen (R, 33) · primary sponsor
- John Carley (R, SD-029)
- Jana Hunt (R, HD-028)
- Dylan Jordan (R, HD-004)
- Tony Randolph (R, HD-035)
- Curt Voight (R, SD-033)
Latest actions
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Motion to amend
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in House and referred to Education
Votes
- Do Pass Amended (February 18, 2026): 28 yea, 38 nay, failed
- Do Pass Amended (February 11, 2026): 9 yea, 6 nay, passed
Subjects: Liability, Education, Schools, State Emblems
Common questions
- What is HB1243?
- HB1243 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (101st Legislature (2026)): require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation.
- What does HB1243 do?
- In its own words: An Act to require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation.
- What is the status of HB1243?
- In committee as of February 10, 2026. Latest action: Do Pass Amended (February 10, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1243?
- Phil Jensen (R, 33), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1243?
- On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26767
Source: official South Dakota record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.