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Bill

HB 1169

modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Bathke and 14 co-sponsors

South Dakota modified constitutional amendment petition signature requirements, but the Governor's veto was sustained after the Legislature's override attempts failed to secure sufficient votes.

Delivered veto sustained to the Secretary of State H.J. 556
#ballotmeasures #constitutionalamendments #initiatedmeasures #legislatureandstatutes #petitions
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Bill Summary · HB 1169

Legislative bill overview

HB 1169 modifies the signature requirements needed for citizens to petition for a constitutional amendment in South Dakota. The bill changes the threshold or methodology for gathering petition signatures required to initiate the constitutional amendment process. This is a procedural measure affecting direct democracy mechanisms in the state.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendment petitions are a key mechanism for citizen participation in governance, allowing voters to bypass the legislature on major policy questions. Changes to signature requirements directly impact how accessible this process is—making it easier or harder for citizens to place amendments on ballots. South Dakota has historically relied on this process for significant policy decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Accessibility vs. gatekeeping: Lowering signature requirements makes it easier for smaller groups to initiate amendments (democratizing), while raising them protects against frivolous or narrow-interest proposals (preventing ballot clutter)
  • Partisan implications: Different groups benefit differently depending on the specific change; some may view modifications as advantaging or disadvantaging particular political movements
  • Voter vs. legislature authority: Adjusting these requirements shifts the balance of power between direct citizen action and legislative authority in constitutional matters

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

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