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Bill

Bill

HB 1013

clarify the purposes permitted for certain offenders to operate a motor vehicle.

2026 Regular Session

South Dakota HB 1013 clarifies which purposes allow certain restricted offenders to lawfully operate motor vehicles, likely defining exceptions for work, medical care, and court-ordered activities.

Signed by the Governor on 2026-03-03 H.J. 480
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Bill Summary · HB 1013

Legislative bill overview

HB 1013 clarifies which purposes certain offenders with driving restrictions are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle. The bill appears to establish or refine exceptions to driving prohibitions for categories of offenders—likely those with suspended or restricted licenses due to criminal convictions or traffic violations. This would define activities such as commuting to work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs as permissible driving purposes.

Why is this important

Driving restrictions are a common penalty for various offenses, but overly broad restrictions can impede rehabilitation and reintegration by preventing offenders from attending jobs or treatment programs. Clarifying permitted purposes ensures consistent enforcement across jurisdictions and provides offenders with clear legal guidance, reducing inadvertent violations that could result in additional charges or license suspension extensions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language on which offenses qualify for these exceptions and how broad the "permitted purposes" are remains unclear from the bill title alone—could be restrictive or permissive depending on final text
  • Public safety concerns: Depending on implementation, defining too many exceptions could undermine public safety goals of restricting dangerous drivers' access to vehicles
  • Enforcement consistency: Clarifying purposes may create administrative burden on law enforcement and courts to verify whether specific trips meet legal criteria

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

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