Bill > HB1122

This bill establishes a licensing requirement for individuals who act as fishing guides for compensation in South Dakota, with the new regulations taking effect on July 1, 2027. Essentially, if someone is paid to guide others while fishing, or advertises themselves as a fishing guide, they will need to obtain an annual license from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, unless they are guiding on their own private property. Violating this requirement, or guiding while having a suspended license, will be considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, with each client served under these conditions counting as a separate offense. To become licensed, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, carry one million dollars in general liability insurance, and pay a fee of $150 for residents or $300 for nonresidents, with these fees being nonrefundable and directed towards fish restocking efforts. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks can deny, suspend, or revoke a license for various reasons, including misrepresentation on the application, knowingly guiding unlicensed individuals, engaging in conduct detrimental to the guide industry, convictions of certain offenses, or violating fishing or guiding laws in any jurisdiction. The Game, Fish and Parks Commission will also establish rules for the application process, including how applications are made available and verified, and will create a code of conduct for guides interacting with clients.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26847