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Bill

HB 1079

revise the conditions for denial or restriction of a motor vehicle or motorcycle operator license or permit if an individual has a medical condition that can be controlled under the care of a physician.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Baxter and 2 co-sponsors

South Dakota bill allows driver's licenses for people with medical conditions if a physician confirms the condition is controlled, shifting from blanket restrictions to case-by-case medical assessment.

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Bill Summary · HB 1079

Legislative bill overview

HB 1079 would modify South Dakota law regarding when the Department of Public Safety can deny or restrict driver's licenses based on medical conditions. The bill establishes that medical conditions can only be grounds for license denial/restriction if they cannot be adequately controlled under physician care. This shifts the burden toward requiring evidence that a condition is unmanageable rather than simply present.

Why is this important

Driver's license restrictions based on medical conditions directly affect people's ability to work, access healthcare, and maintain independence. The bill addresses a tension between public safety (preventing impaired drivers) and individual rights (not restricting people whose conditions are successfully managed). The outcome affects thousands of South Dakotans with conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or sleep disorders who may currently face licensing barriers despite medical stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety vs. individual rights: Opponents may argue that some medical conditions pose inherent risks regardless of treatment, while supporters contend that controlled conditions shouldn't restrict freedoms
  • Medical certification standards: Unclear definitions of what "controlled under physician care" means—will licensing officials need specific documentation, and which physicians qualify to certify control?
  • Liability concerns: Insurance and government liability questions arise if someone with a medically-managed condition causes an accident
  • Implementation challenges: DMV staff would need clear protocols to evaluate physician attestations and distinguish between controlled and uncontrolled conditions

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

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