South Dakota Legislature Reaches Final Day of Regular Session

Key votes on workforce verification and infrastructure funding still ahead on last day of session.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:48pm

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South Dakota lawmakers are meeting for the final day of the regular legislative session, with key votes still to come on a bill requiring employers to verify worker eligibility through the federal E-Verify system, as well as a measure providing funding to replace the Richmond Lake dam and spillway near Aberdeen. Budget writers are also finalizing spending details and policy guidance for state programs, including opioid settlement funds.

Why it matters

The final day of the legislative session is a critical time for lawmakers to pass key bills before the session adjourns. The workforce verification and infrastructure funding measures are high-priority items that could have significant impacts on the state's economy and communities.

The details

The House is considering a conference committee report on House Bill 1209, which would require employers to verify worker eligibility through the federal E-Verify system. Both chambers are also taking up Senate Bill 121A, providing funding to replace the Richmond Lake dam and spillway near Aberdeen. Budget writers are continuing work on final spending details and policy guidance for state programs, including opioid settlement funds.

  • The South Dakota Legislature is meeting for the final day of its regular legislative session on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

South Dakota Legislature

The legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of South Dakota, consisting of the state Senate and state House of Representatives.

House Bill 1209

A bill that would require employers in South Dakota to verify worker eligibility through the federal E-Verify system.

Senate Bill 121A

A bill providing funding to replace the Richmond Lake dam and spillway near Aberdeen, South Dakota.

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What’s next

The South Dakota Legislature will reconvene later this month for Veto Day, when lawmakers will consider any vetoes issued by the governor.

The takeaway

The final day of the South Dakota legislative session is a critical time for lawmakers to pass key bills on workforce verification and infrastructure funding before the session adjourns. The outcome of these measures could have significant impacts on the state's economy and communities.