South Dakota lawmakers are trying to change the definition of Domestic Abuse in the state. Two bills passed the State House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 7 redefines domestic abuse. Republican State Representative Mike Stevens says the measure makes dating relationships fall under domestic abuse statute. The bill only includes current relationships, not past. It also recognizes domestic abuse that occurs outside a residence, not just inside the home. Representative Stevens supports this measure, but he says it’s a big change. He says the penalties can be tougher in some domestic abuse cases.
"And what it does is fundamentally changes something from a place, to relationships. And that’s really the issue that we as this legislature really have to look at. It is a fundamental change and I’m not trying to kid anybody by trying to slide one by you, it’s a big major change," Stevens says.
Senate Bill 7 passed the South Dakota House 56-14 and now goes back to the State Senate for approval. Senate Bill 2 also passed the House on Wednesday. This bill allows a parent or guardian with a non-violent warrant to be given a delayed arrest. The circumstances of this bill only apply if the non-violent warrant person is a victim in domestic abuse in which the other guardian is being arrested. Proponents say it helps look out for the best interest of a child. Opponents to these bills say the change is too severe and that it could cause confusion with lawmakers. Senate Bill 2 passed the House 68-1 and it too returns to the State Senate for approval.
