On March 8, the South Dakota Legislature gave final passage to HB1217 which banned transgender women from participating on women's athletic teams or sports in schools and colleges in the state. It also included various enforcement provisions. On March 19, Governor Kristi Noem, instead of signing the bill, returned it to the legislature with a number of suggested changes. When the legislature failed to act on those changes, the Governor instead issued two executive orders to deal with the issue. Executive Order 2021-05 bans transgender girls from participation in girl's athletics in Grade K-12 public schools, but eliminates the causes of action and much of the paper work that was in HB1217. Executive Order 2021-06 calls for the Board of Regents to take the steps necessary within state law to implement a similar policy for colleges and universities controlled by the Board of Regents. CNN reports on the governor's actions.
