South Dakota's minimum marriage age is being raised to 18 years old, with limited exceptions requiring court approval. Minors aged 16 or 17 can only marry if a circuit court finds the marriage is voluntary and in their best interest, replacing the previous system that allowed marriage with just parental consent. This effectively ends child marriage in the state except in rare cases where a judge determines it serves the minor's welfare.
AI-generated summary
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House State Affairs H.J. 445
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 25, NAYS 8. S.J. 379
Senate Motion to amend S.J. 377
Senate Deferred to another day S.J. 355
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 2. S.J. 25
Judiciary Motion to amend Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 3. S.J. 25
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 140
Prime sponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-025
cosponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-030
cosponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-003
cosponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-021
cosponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-026
Do Pass Amended
Motion to amend
Do Pass Amended
Motion to amend