Lobbying

SDVFJ has actively lobbied for or against over two dozen bills and resolutions since 2017.

SDVFJ lobbies against Islamophobic, anti-immigration, anti-refugee, and racist legislation in South Dakota, and lobbies for inclusive legislation that supports or uplifts immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities in our state.

During 2010-2016 South Dakota state legislative sessions, before SDVFJ began lobbying, 60% of bigoted legislation introduced was defeated, and 40% of bigoted legislation introduced was passed. After SDVFJ began lobbying, less bigoted legislation has passed.

83.3%

of bigoted legislation DEFEATED (2017-2019)

16.7%

of bigoted legislation PASSED (2017-2019)

In 2020, we broadened the scope of our lobbying to focus on not only countering bigoted legislation, but on supporting positive legislation for immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities, as well as supporting anti-racist legislation that aims to create a more inclusive state. SDVFJ continues to fight in order to build a diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist South Dakota.

Legislative outcomes based on whether

an item lobbied against failed, or an item supported/lobbied for passed (WIN)
an unfavorable item passed amended (DRAW)
an item lobbied against passed, or an item supported/lobbied for failed (LOSS)

Wins are designated in green on the graph, draws are designated in yellow, and losses are designated in red.

Learn about the legislation we've worked on.

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

SB 71 — DEFEATED

designate Juneteenth as a working holiday.
SB 71 failed in the House by a 31 yeas - 36 nays vote.

SB 125 — FAILED

temporarily require the wearing of face coverings in businesses and public buildings under certain conditions.

SB 166 — FAILED

revise provisions regarding hate crimes to include sexual orientation, gender identity, Native American Two-Spirit identity, disability, color, and sex.
SB 166 failed in the Senate by a 8 yeas - 27 nays vote.

HB 1178 — FAILED

rescind statute of limitations for any civil cause of action arising out of childhood sexual abuse.
HB 1178 was deferred to the 41st legislative day in House Judiciary by 10 yeas - 2 nays vote.

HB 1212 — PASSED

clarify the use of force.
HB 1212 passed the Senate by 21 yeas - 14 nays vote, and was signed into law by Governor Noem on March 21, 2021.

SB 89 — FAILED

add Juneteenth as a state holiday.
SB 89 was deferred to the 41st legislative day in Senate State Affairs by 8 yeas - 1 nay vote.

SB 90 — FAILED

recognize hair discrimination as an unfair or discriminatory practice.
SB 90 was deferred to the 41st legislative day in Senate State Affairs by 8 yeas - 1 nay vote.

HCR 6005 — DEFEATED

celebrate Black History Month.
HCR 6005 failed in the House by a 4 yeas - 64 nays vote. This bill included revisionist takes on U.S. history, and purported that there was a "silver lining" to slavery.

2021 Legislative Session

2020 Legislative Session

SB 70 — PASSED

to authorize Spanish usage in the process of issuing certain driver licenses.

This bill was signed into South Dakota law and went into effect on January 1, 2021. South Dakotans can now study for and take certain driver licensing exams in Spanish. Download Spanish-language driving manuals from the SD Department of Public Safety.

HB 1237 — FAILED

to establish the Early Learning Advisory Council to study early childhood education.

HJR 5002 — FAILED

proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, relating to legislative reapportionment (redistricting).