Legislative Branch
South Dakota lawmaking authority is vested in a bicameral Legislature consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Representation
Membership and districts
Since 1970, the Senate has had 35 members and the House of Representatives has had 70 members. South Dakota is divided into 35 legislative districts, with each district electing one senator and two representatives.
Legislators must be qualified voters in their districts, at least 21 years old, United States citizens, and South Dakota residents for the two years immediately preceding election. Terms are two years, and members are limited to four consecutive terms in each chamber.
Annual work
Legislative sessions
Regular sessions begin on the second Tuesday in January. The Legislature meets for 40 days in odd-numbered years and 35 days in even-numbered years. The governor may call a special session, and the Legislature may petition for one under the state constitution.
The Legislative Research Council provides year-round professional and technical support.
Direct democracy
Initiative and referendum
South Dakota became the first state to authorize initiative and referendum procedures for ordinary legislation in 1898. Initiated measures allow voters to add to, amend, or repeal existing laws. A referred law allows voters to approve or reject a law passed by the Legislature.
The initiative process was expanded in 1972 to include constitutional amendments.