South DakotaSmall lodging sites may use biological water filters with permits
South Dakota law lets lodging establishments with 15 or fewer sleeping rooms seek permits to use biological filters, while keeping health and safety rules in place.
What it does
Lodging establishments with 15 or fewer sleeping rooms may apply for a permit to use a biological filter in a water recreational facility. The facility still must meet health and safety rules, and the department inspects the system yearly.
Argument forWith a permit, small lodging sites could filter recreational water using natural processes without continuous chemical disinfectants.
Argument againstA failed yearly inspection could keep a small lodging site from using its filter and from reapplying for a year.
More detail
The law lets eligible lodging establishments apply for a permit to use a biological filter. This applies to lodging establishments with 15 or fewer sleeping rooms and their water recreational facilities. The establishment must receive a permit before using the system. The application must show how the system meets the department’s water quality outcomes, and the facility must meet public health and safety requirements. The department must inspect the system yearly; after a failed inspection, it must revoke the permit, and the establishment may not reapply for a year. The department sets application, maintenance, and water testing rules and may charge a permit fee of up to $50. Each permit lasts one year, and the department must inspect the system every year.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 30Signed by the Governor Larry Rhoden on 2026-03-30 H.J. 579Became Law
- Mar 11Delivered to the Governor on 2026-03-11 H.J. 556To Governor
- Mar 10Signed by the President S.J. 512Major
- Mar 9Signed by the Speaker H.J. 542Passed Senate
- Mar 5Senate Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0 S.J. 485
- Vote recorded Do Pass Amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4Remove from Consent Calendar S.J. 461
- Mar 2Certified uncontested, placed on consent , Passed, S.J. 25
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 2Health and Human Services Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0 S.J. 25Minor
- Mar 2Scheduled for hearing
- Feb 23First read in Senate and referred to Senate Health and Human Services S.J. 357Minor
- Feb 20House of Representatives Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 66, NAYS 1 H.J. 392Passed House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 19Agriculture and Natural Resources Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 1 H.J. 29Minor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 19Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
- Feb 5Referred to House Agriculture and Natural Resources H.J. 237Minor
- Feb 4First Reading House H.J. 220Introduced
Public Safety