Disrupting worship services could become a felony as dueling bills advance to chamber floors

By: Meghan O'Brien

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 3, 2026

Words: 853

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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PIERRE — Two pieces of legislation are going to South Dakota’s House and Senate floors with different levels of increased penalties for disturbing worshippers.

One bill, introduced by Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer, R-Aberdeen, would create a new felony crime of entering or remaining in a place of worship with the intent to “menace or harass congregants or employees,” or for “the purpose of political intimidation of or the incitement of fear of violence in those …

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