Lawmakers endorse ‘principles’ on tribal consultation but punt on required meetings, documentation

By: John Hult

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 9, 2026

Words: 1,047

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

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South Dakota officials should talk to tribal leaders more often, but lawmakers aren’t prepared to make them.

That was the message from two bills — one that passed, one that didn’t — considered Monday morning in Pierre by the House of Representatives’ State Affairs Committee.

The winning proposal, House Bill 1232, is a policy statement that says South Dakota “recognizes” the importance of accountability, cooperation, collaboration, and early and regular communication with tribes when …

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