HB 1243

 26.468.24  101st Legislative Session  1243
                                         2026 South Dakota Legislature
                                                  House Bill 1243
                                                   HOUSE EDUCATION ENGROSSED
 Introduced by: Representative Jensen (Phil)
1 An Act to require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for
2associated legal representation.
3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:
4 Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-24:
5The motto of the State of South Dakota, "Under God the People Rule," must be
6     displayed in each public school. The display must be placed in a prominent location within
7     each public school. The display must be at least eleven inches by eight and one-half inches
8     in size, and may take the form of a mounted plaque, student artwork, or any other
9     appropriate form, as determined by the school principal.
10For purposes of this section, "prominent location," means a school entryway,
11     cafeteria, or other common area where students are most likely to see the state motto
12     display.
13 Section 2. That § 13-24-24 be AMENDED:
1413-24-24. For any lawsuit brought or any complaint filed against a school district,
15     an employee of a school district, the board of a school district, or a member thereof as a
16     result of a school district displaying the national motto of the United States in accordance
17     with § 13-24-23 or the motto of this state in accordance with section 1 of this Act, the
18     attorney general shall provide legal representation at no cost to the school district,
19     employee, school board, or member of the school board.
20In addition to the expenses of representation, the state shall assume financial
21     responsibility for any other related expense incurred by the school district, an employee,
22     the board, or member thereof, including any award for monetary damages, attorney's
23     fees, and costs for which the school district, an employee, the board, or a member thereof
24     would be otherwise responsible.
                                                                                 Underscores indicate new language.
                                                                               Overstrikes indicate deleted language.