Five Things to Know
The 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session is officially underway, and the first week set the tone for health care policy discussions in Pierre. Lawmakers have already filed nearly 200 bills, with SDAHO actively tracking 24 measures that could impact health care organizations. Here are the five most important takeaways for our members from Week 1:
1. Legislative Activity Is Moving Quickly
With a high volume of bills introduced in the opening week, early momentum is strong. While most health care–related bills will be heard in the coming weeks, several are already scheduled for committee hearings, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring all legislation early in the session.
2. The Rural Health Transformation Fund Is the Top Priority
The Rural Health Transformation Fund remains the leading issue for health care stakeholders. Proposed in HB 1044, the current funding proposal includes $189.4 million over five years, down from the original $500 million request. Allowable uses include:
- Modernizing technology and expanding telehealth
- Recruiting and retaining health care professionals
- Supporting the financial stability of rural hospitals and clinics
The Joint Appropriations Committee began hearing testimony on this proposal during Week 1, and discussions will continue.
3. Governor’s Priorities Signal Health Care Focus
Governor Larry Rhoden’s State of the State Address highlighted several initiatives, with a few relevant to health care, including:
- The Rural Health Transformation Fund
- Department of Human Services initiatives
- Broadband expansion
- Strategic use of one-time funds
These priorities are expected to shape budget and policy conversations throughout the session.
4. Key Health Care Bills Are Already Scheduled for Hearings
Several bills SDAHO is tracking will be heard early, including measures related to controlled substances, licensure requirements, nursing roles on ambulance crews, and ambulance operations. To learn more:
- HB 1016 – modify provisions related to the controlled substances schedule and to declare an emergency
- HB 1028 – establish a criminal background check requirement for multistate licensure under the social work licensure compact
- HB 1023 – establish requirements and liability protection for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses serving on ambulance crews
- HB 1024 – modify requirements for ambulance operators
5. New link to listen to hearings and debates:
There is a new webpage and link to listen or watch committee hearings or floor debates. You can access both live and archived bill hearings here: https://sdpb.org/sdnetwork
Each week SDAHO’s Advocacy Team will create a video podcast available to members, highlighting 5 things to know from the legislative session that week. To view the video podcast, visit SDAHO’s Legislative Update section on the member portal or click here.
As always, SDAHO will continue advocating on behalf of our members and keeping you informed throughout the session. For the latest updates on health care legislation, visit the SDAHO State Advocacy Webpage at https://sdaho.org/state-advocacy/ or visit the Bill Tracker here.
