Local leaders gathered for a legislative breakfast on Tuesday to discuss key issues ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Among the topics was a proposed bill aimed at revising South Dakota’s unique law that classifies the ingestion of a controlled substance as a felony on the first offense.
Rep. John Hughes (R-Sioux Falls) is spearheading the effort, advocating for alternatives to prison and questioning the effectiveness of the current law.
The bill, which would remove the felony penalty for first-time offenders, was previously introduced in 2023 but failed by just one vote.
Rep. Kadyn Wittman (D) expressed confidence that bipartisan support will help pass the bill in 2025.
The law change aims to reduce the number of people incarcerated for minor drug offenses and maintain family unity by avoiding the loss of parents to the penal system.
Local leaders also emphasized the importance of collaboration between state and local governments in advancing legislative priorities.