5 Things to know
Week 8 of the 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, with just one week remaining in the general session. After facing an unprecedented number of anti-health care bills early on, our advocacy team has spent much of this session playing defense to protect our members and the future of health care in South Dakota.
Five Things to Know – Week 8
1. HB 1043 Signed by the Governor
HB 1043 appropriates funding to reimburse health care professionals who fulfilled their rural recruitment assistance program requirements. The bill was signed by the Governor on Wednesday — a strong win for workforce recruitment and retention.
2. HB 1101 Heads to the Governor
HB 1101 prohibits insurers from declining or limiting life, disability, or long-term care coverage solely because an individual is a living organ donor. The bill has been delivered to the Governor.
3. HB 1250 Passes Unanimously
HB 1250 revises the types of community-based providers eligible for purposes of state-funded services. The measure also includes critical access hospitals in the definition. The bill passed both chambers unanimously, reflecting broad bipartisan support.
4. HB 1292 Advances to the Governor
HB 1292 limits a health carrier’s ability to recoup, recover, or retroactively deny previously paid claims. It passed both chambers.
5. SB 190 Fails in the House
SB 190, a bill we opposed that would codify parental rights, failed in the House on a 30–35 vote. A reconsideration attempt also failed, marking an important defensive victory for health care providers.
Looking Ahead
