South Dakota legislation · 101st Legislature (2026)
South Dakota SB59: require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency.
Status: Failed, February 2, 2026
What the bill says
An Act to require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency.
From the introduced text, January 6, 2026:
An Act to require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 1-19C: [ADDED: Except as provided below, in written or printed official government material, a state agency:] [ADDED: (1) May use only the term "Judea and Samaria," "Judea," or "Samaria" to refer to land adjacent to Jordan that was obtained by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War; and] [ADDED: (2) May not use the term "West Bank" to refer to the land.] [ADDED: For purposes of this section, the term "official government material" means an administrative rule, briefing, communication, guidance, material, press release, or work product document prepared by a state agency. The term does not include teaching or research materials used or produced by postsecondary instructors employed by a state agency.] [ADDED: For purposes of this section, the term "state agency" means every board, commission, department, division, institution, and office of state government.] Underscores indicate new language. [DELETED: Overstrikes] indicate deleted language.
Sponsors
- John Carley (R, SD-029) · primary sponsor
- Leslie Heinemann (R, HD-025) · primary sponsor
- Heather Baxter (R, HD-034)
- Greg Blanc (R, SD-035)
- Phil Jensen (R, 33)
- Carl Perry (R, 03)
- Kathy Rice (R, HD-029)
Latest actions
- : Deferred to the 41st legislative day
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in Senate and referred to State Affairs
Votes
- Deferred to the 41st legislative day (February 2, 2026): 6 yea, 3 nay, passed
Subjects: State Affairs and Government, Public Records and Files
Common questions
- What is SB59?
- SB59 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (101st Legislature (2026)): require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency.
- What does SB59 do?
- In its own words: An Act to require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency.
- What is the status of SB59?
- Failed as of February 2, 2026. Latest action: Deferred to the 41st legislative day (February 2, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB59?
- John Carley (R, SD-029), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB59?
- On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26632
Source: official South Dakota record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.