“State laws should not stand in their way to get right to work.” Noem signs to recognize out-of-state licenses

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Governor Kristi Noem on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 76, making it easier for people moving to South Dakota to practice their professions. The bill directs state officials to recognize almost all professional or occupational certificates issued by other states — as long those certificates meet or exceed South Dakota’s standards.

Specifically, the measure directs South Dakota licensing authorities to “issue a license, certificate, registration, or permit to an applicant to allow practice in [South Dakota] if, upon application to the licensing board, the applicant satisfies” five conditions.

Those conditions are:

1. The out-of-state license requirements are “substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements established in [South Dakota];
2. The holder “[d]emonstrates competency in the profession or occupation through methods determined by the licensing [authority]”;
3. The holder “[h]as not committed any act that constitutes grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license, certificate, registration, or permit to practice that profession or occupation in this state unless the licensing board determines, in its discretion, that the act should not be an impediment to the granting of a license, certificate, registration, or permits to practice in [South Dakota]”;
4. The holder “[i]s in good standing and has not been disciplined by the jurisdiction that issued the license, certificate, registration, or permit unless the licensing board determines, in its discretion, that the discipline should not be an impediment to the granting of a license, certificate, registration, or permit to practice in [South Dakota];
5. The holder “[p]ays any fees established.

If out-of-state license does not meet or exceed South Dakota standards, the new law authorizes officials to issue provisional certificates until the holder can meet South Dakota’s threshold.

Noem says the change will make this an even friendlier state in which to move. Noem emphasizes, “This year I am thrilled that overwhelmingly the legislature has recognized the need to recognize out-of-state licenses. When people want to move to South Dakota, that immediately we will recognize the training and the skill set that they have and their license from their home state as they relocate to make this the place where they want to raise their families.”

The bill goes into effect on July 1, 2023.