South Dakota legislation · 101st Legislature (2026)
South Dakota SB122: establish the crime of failure to summon aid for a suicide attempt and provide a penalty therefor.
Status: Failed, March 4, 2026
What the bill says
An Act to establish the crime of failure to summon aid for a suicide attempt and provide a penalty therefor.
From the engrossed text, February 5, 2026:
An Act to establish the crime of failure to summon aid for a suicide attempt and provide a penalty therefor. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 22-16: [ADDED: A person commits the offense of failure to summon aid for a suicide attempt if the person:] [ADDED: (1) Is physically present at the scene of the attempt;] [ADDED: (2) Knows that another individual is attempting suicide or has inflicted self-harm that creates an imminent risk of serious bodily injury; and] [ADDED: (3) Intentionally fails to promptly summon assistance by contacting law enforcement, medical personnel, or another person reasonably likely to secure immediate emergency assistance.] [ADDED: A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.] Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 22-16: [ADDED: It is a defense to section 1 of this Act if:] [ADDED: (1) The person:] [ADDED: (a) Reasonably feared imminent harm to self or others;] [ADDED: (b) Reasonably believed aid had already been summoned; or] [ADDED: (c) Is under the age of eighteen; or] [ADDED: (2) It was otherwise not reasonably possible for the person to summon aid.] Underscores indicate new language. [DELETED: Overstrikes] indicate deleted language.
Sponsors
- Carl Perry (R, 03) · primary sponsor
- Heather Baxter (R, HD-034)
- Timothy Goodwin (R, HD-030)
- Kevin Jensen (R, SD-016)
- Scott Moore (R, HD-023)
- Al Novstrup (R, HD-003)
Latest actions
- : Deferred to the 41st legislative day
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in House and referred to Judiciary
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Motion to amend
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in Senate and referred to Judiciary
Votes
- Deferred to the 41st legislative day (March 4, 2026): 9 yea, 4 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (February 23, 2026): 24 yea, 9 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (February 5, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Liability, Crimes, Penalty
Common questions
- What is SB122?
- SB122 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (101st Legislature (2026)): establish the crime of failure to summon aid for a suicide attempt and provide a penalty therefor.
- What does SB122 do?
- In its own words: An Act to establish the crime of failure to summon aid for a suicide attempt and provide a penalty therefor.
- What is the status of SB122?
- Failed as of March 4, 2026. Latest action: Deferred to the 41st legislative day (March 4, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB122?
- Carl Perry (R, 03), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB122?
- On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26732
Source: official South Dakota record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.