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Bill

SB 48

clarify that an official open meeting agenda must be posted online at least seventy-two hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.

2026 Regular Session

Requires online posting of official open meeting agendas at least 72 hours before the meeting start.

Signed by the Governor on 2026-02-17 S.J. 266
#executive/judiciaryrequest #openmeetings #stateaffairsandgovernment
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Bill Summary · SB 48

Summary of SB 48 (2026) – South Dakota

Purpose and intent

SB 48 clarifies and strengthens transparency requirements for official open meeting agendas by mandating online posting a minimum of 72 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting. The bill aims to ensure public access to timely information about government meetings, supporting accountability and public participation.

Key provisions

  • Online posting requirement: Any official open meeting agenda must be posted online at least 72 hours prior to the meeting’s scheduled start time.
  • Scope of applicability: Applies to official open meetings of public bodies required to conduct open meetings (e.g., state and local government bodies) as defined by existing open meetings laws in the state.
  • Compliance standard: Establishes a concrete lead time for posting agendas to improve predictability and public notice.

Note: The available legislative history indicates the bill passed several stages in both chambers and was signed into law by the governor on February 17, 2026.

Affected entities

  • Public bodies subject to open meetings laws: State executive agencies, local government bodies, and other entities required to hold open meetings.
  • General public: Residents and stakeholders seeking timely access to meeting agendas to track topics, decisions, and actions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introductory and referral: Referred to House Local Government (late January 2026) and to Senate State Affairs (mid-January 2026).
  • Legislative progress:
    • Senate: Do Pass (34-0) and passed, with consent actions noted in January 2026.
    • House: Local Government Do Pass (10-0), Passed House with unanimous support (69-0) on February 4, 2026.
  • Executive action:
    • Delivered to Governor February 9, 2026.
    • Signed by Governor February 17, 2026 (effective date not specified in the provided text; typically, the effective date is stated in the enacted bill or follows standard state law for bills).

Potential impact

  • Transparency enhancement: Ensures the public has advance access to agenda items, enabling informed participation and scrutiny.
  • Administrative burden: Public bodies will need to maintain timely online posting systems to meet the 72-hour requirement.
  • Enforcement and compliance: The law likely provides for review or remedies if agendas are not posted timely, though specific enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the provided materials.

Overall assessment

SB 48 establishes a clear, measurable deadline for online posting of official open meeting agendas, reinforcing open government principles by improving public notice and access to essential information preceding governmental meetings. The bill passed both chambers with broad bi-partisan support and was enacted into law in February 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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