South Dakota Governor Signs Bill to Recognize Tribal Police as Law Enforcement

New law extends legal protections to tribal officers assisting state and local authorities

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed a bill into law that will recognize tribal police officers as law enforcement, effective July 1. The new law will extend legal protections, such as assault laws, to tribal officers who assist state and local authorities on crime and crash scenes, even outside of tribal jurisdictions.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to improve public safety coordination between tribal and state/local law enforcement by granting tribal officers the same legal status and protections as their state and local counterparts when working together. It comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen tribal sovereignty and address jurisdictional issues on reservations.

The details

House Bill 1007 expands the definition of law enforcement in South Dakota to include tribal police officers. Previously, tribal officers lacked jurisdiction outside of tribal lands, even when assisting state or local law enforcement. The new law will allow them to operate with the same legal authorities and protections as state-recognized officers when providing mutual aid.

  • The bill was signed into law by Governor Rhoden on March 10, 2026.
  • The new law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Larry Rhoden

The Governor of South Dakota who signed House Bill 1007 into law.

House Bill 1007

The legislation that will recognize tribal police officers as law enforcement in South Dakota, granting them the same legal protections as state and local officers.

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What they’re saying

“Starting July 1, tribal police helping their state or local counterparts will be recognized as law enforcement officers under South Dakota law.”

— John Hult, Reporter (kfgo.com)

What’s next

Governor Rhoden is also expected to sign Senate Bill 113 into law, which will make it a felony crime to purposely prevent someone from practicing religion through violence or threats of violence.

The takeaway

This new law is an important step in strengthening the relationship between tribal and state/local law enforcement, improving public safety coordination and ensuring tribal officers have the same legal protections as their counterparts when assisting on cases outside of tribal jurisdictions.