South Dakota Law Makes Disrupting Religious Worship a Felony Under SB 113

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota’s new law strengthening penalties for disrupting religious worship is now in effect as of July 1, following Governor Larry Rhoden’s approval of Senate Bill 113, titled “An Act to increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion.”

SB 113 amends state statute § 22‑19B‑4, which now reads:

“Any person who, by threat or violence, intentionally prevents another person from performing any lawful act enjoined upon or recommended by the religion the other person professes, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.”

The change increases the penalty for interfering with religious practice in South Dakota, elevating the offense to a felony.

Governor Rhoden said the law reinforces the state’s commitment to protecting the right to worship.

“In South Dakota, we believe our rights are given to us by God – not the government. And we must do everything we can to defend our citizens’ right to worship freely,” Rhoden said. “This bill is an important step forward in protecting every South Dakotan’s right to worship and ensuring bad actors cannot disrupt religious freedom.”

The Governor introduced the legislation earlier this year following an incident in Minnesota involving an assault on religious freedom. SB 113 creates stronger consequences for anyone who disrupts worship services or prevents individuals from carrying out religious practices, which state officials say will help ensure worshippers can gather without fear.

Rhoden signed the bill during a ceremony with its prime sponsors, Senator Mehlhaff and Representative Odenbach. The enrolled act was certified and filed with the Secretary of State as part of the 2026 legislative Session.

“An Act to increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion.”

SB 113 is now law statewide.

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