Scored 5/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Places Worship Bill
New bill makes trespassing in places of worship a crime
Establish the crime of trespass upon a place of worship, provide a penalty therefor, and declare an emergency.
Mixed: some good, some bad ·
This bill would make it a crime to trespass on places of worship and set penalties for it.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
While protecting places of worship is important, this bill may not solve bigger issues and could create confusion about what counts as trespassing.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- The bill aims to create a new crime for trespassing on places of worship.
- It includes penalties for those who violate this law.
- The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
Want to see how your representatives voted on this? Find your reps →
- Al Novstrup (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Jon Hansen (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Leslie Heinemann (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- William Shorma (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Timothy Goodwin (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Greg Jamison (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Spencer Gosch (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Trish Ladner (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the South Dakota Bill Book 2026
The best and worst South Dakota bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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