Bill that tightens residency requirements for SD hunting and fishing licenses passes Senate

The South Dakota Senate has passed a bill that tightens residency requirements for in-state hunting and fishing licenses.

SB54 passed 33-0 on Wednesday.

The sponsor, Democratic Sen. Liz Larson of Sioux Falls, says in-state licenses should be reserved for actual residents. She adds that recreational vehicle owners with mailboxes in South Dakota would no longer be able to get resident licenses.

The bill requires the applicant to have been in South Dakota 90 days before the application and claim no other residence. Being out of the state for more than 180 days in a year, registering to vote in another state, or applying for another state’s driver’s license would all disqualify the person.

Larson brought the bill on behalf of the state Game, Fish, and Parks Department.

The measure now goes to the House.

January 18, 2024