All Roll Calls
Yes: 120 • No: 0
South DakotaHB 1024101st South Dakota Legislature (2026)House
modify requirements for ambulance operators.
Sponsored By: Walburg, Tim (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Emergency Medical ServicesInterim Legislative Committee BillMotor VehiclesProfessions and OccupationsPublic Health and SafetyTraffic Laws
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Ambulance drivers gain limited emergency driving options
Qualified South Dakota ambulance operators can use blue lights with written approval while heading to emergencies requiring their services. Ambulance service directors can approve only members in good standing. Drivers must still drive with due regard for safety, and unlawful blue-light use is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Qualified operators can also drive ambulances above the speed limit without a siren or other audible signal outside city limits. For emergency responses generally, the speed-limit exception requires a siren, air horn, or warning lights visible in normal atmospheric conditions.
New qualification rules for ambulance crews
In South Dakota, each ambulance run must include a licensed emergency medical technician or advanced life support worker, plus a qualified operator. Operators must be at least 18 and hold a valid driver's license. They must be licensed emergency medical services personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, or qualify through training. The training option requires approved CPR training and an approved emergency vehicle operator course lasting at least six hours. A state or national organization must offer both courses; CPR needs medical or program director approval, while driver training needs medical director approval. Ambulance services must keep these training records and provide them to the state health department when asked.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Walburg, Tim
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Emery, Eric
Democratic • House
Garcia, Josephine
Republican • House
Grove, Tamara R.
Republican • Senate
Hunt, Jana
Republican • House
Kull, David
Republican • House
Reed, Tim S.
Republican • Senate
Voight, Curt
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 1/29/2026
Do Pass Amended
Yes: 33 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/28/2026
Do Pass
Yes: 7 • No: 0
House vote • 1/22/2026
Do Pass Amended
Yes: 67 • No: 0
House vote • 1/20/2026
Do Pass Amended
Yes: 13 • No: 0
Bill Text
Introduced
1/1/2026
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