Social Policy
South Dakota Social Issues Guide 2026
South Dakota social policy at a glance: abortion laws, gun regulations, LGBTQ+ protections, marijuana status, and how these issues shape the 2026 elections.
Total Ban
Abortion Status
Very Permissive
Gun Laws
No Protections
LGBTQ+ Rights
$11.20/hr
Minimum Wage
Abortion Laws in South Dakota
Total Ban
SDCL 22-17-5.1 (trigger law)
Total ban; voters rejected competing measures in 2024
Gun Laws in South Dakota
Very Permissive
Permitless carry; no red flag law; very permissive
LGBTQ+ Rights in South Dakota
No Protections
No anti-discrimination protections; anti-trans youth laws
Other Key Issues
| Marijuana | Medical only; recreational approved 2020 but gov. blocked; rejected again 2022 |
| Minimum Wage | $11.20/hr |
2026 Political Context
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem blocked a voter-approved recreational marijuana measure in 2020, generating significant backlash. She later ran for VP with Trump.