Larry Rhoden

Signed a group of election bills, including a ban on deepfakes used to influence elections and a limit of federal-only ballots for full-time travelers.

March 26, 2025Supports AI Regulation

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1179 (2009), which proposed licensing and regulating midwives. A House committee killed it 10-3.

February 10, 2009Supports Healthcare Affordability

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1139 (2007), which created two state funds for tobacco tax money, one for education and one for health care. It passed the Senate 20-15 and became law.

February 26, 2007Supports Healthcare Affordability

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted no on HB 1240 (2009), a ban on smoking in many public places, including bars and restaurants. It passed the Senate 21-14.

March 4, 2009Opposes Environment and Public Health

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted no on SB 118 (2002), a ban on smoking in public places. It passed the House 40-28.

February 14, 2002Opposes Environment and Public Health

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Signed Executive Order 2025-04, which set up a secure system for state employees to report improper conduct and required supervisors to report it.

April 28, 2025Supports Anti-Corruption

Source: dakotanewsnow.com · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on SB 171 (2017), which created a legislative task force to study campaign finance and government accountability. It passed the House 54-12.

March 7, 2017Supports Anti-Corruption

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1069 (2017), which repealed Initiated Measure 22, the ethics and campaign finance law voters approved in 2016. Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed it.

February 2, 2017Opposes Anti-Corruption

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of SB 93 (2011), which allowed organizations to give money to political action committees, with a limit. The governor signed it.

March 14, 2011Opposes Anti-Corruption

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Signed SB 7 (2025), which bans local governments from adopting "sanctuary" policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

February 7, 2025Opposes Immigration

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Signed HB 1326, the state budget for fiscal year 2027, along with four other budget bills.

March 19, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: kotaradio.com · researched September 24, 2026

Signed SB 2 after a special session, approving a $650 million men's prison in Sioux Falls. He also created a Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force by executive order.

September 23, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: drgnews.com · researched September 24, 2026

Vetoed HB 1132, which proposed letting child care workers qualify for state child care aid at higher incomes. He said it gave them preferential treatment over low-income families.

March 12, 2025Supports Government Spending Reduction

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1212 (2013), which raised the expense allowance paid to state legislators. The governor signed it.

March 21, 2013Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1234 (2012), an education plan with bonuses for top teachers and math and science teachers, new teacher evaluations, and limits on tenure. It passed the Senate 22-12.

February 27, 2012Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of SB 152 (2011), which cut the state's per-student school funding amount from $4,804.60 to $4,389.95 for the 2012 school year. The governor signed it.

March 11, 2011Supports Government Spending Reduction

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1139 (2007), which created two state funds for tobacco tax money, one for education and one for health care. It passed the Senate 20-15 and became law.

February 26, 2007Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1220 (2005), which changed the state school funding formula and added money for schools. Both chambers adopted the final version, and it became law.

March 4, 2005Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Signed SB 2 after a special session, approving a $650 million men's prison in Sioux Falls. He also created a Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force by executive order.

September 23, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: drgnews.com · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on SB 70 (2013), a broad criminal justice overhaul titled "improve public safety." It passed the Senate 31-2.

January 24, 2013Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Signed SB 96 and SB 245, which cut homeowner property taxes using sales tax money. SB 245 created a state relief fund, and SB 96 let counties add a sales tax for relief.

March 12, 2026Supports Housing Affordability

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Signed SB 216, his property tax bill. It capped growth in countywide home assessments at 3% a year for five years and expanded a tax freeze program.

March 13, 2025Supports Housing Affordability

Source: dakotanewsnow.com · researched September 24, 2026

Vetoed HB 1132, which proposed letting child care workers qualify for state child care aid at higher incomes. He said it gave them preferential treatment over low-income families.

March 12, 2025Opposes Social Programs and Welfare

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1234 (2012), an education plan with bonuses for top teachers and math and science teachers, new teacher evaluations, and limits on tenure. It passed the Senate 22-12.

February 27, 2012Supports Public Education Quality

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of SB 152 (2011), which cut the state's per-student school funding amount from $4,804.60 to $4,389.95 for the 2012 school year. The governor signed it.

March 11, 2011Opposes Public Education Quality

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1139 (2007), which created two state funds for tobacco tax money, one for education and one for health care. It passed the Senate 20-15 and became law.

February 26, 2007Supports Public Education Quality

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1220 (2005), which changed the state school funding formula and added money for schools. Both chambers adopted the final version, and it became law.

March 4, 2005Supports Public Education Quality

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of SB 207 (2013), which proposed legislative findings about federal infringement on Second Amendment rights. It passed the Senate 29-4, but a House committee killed it 8-4.

March 4, 2013Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1087 (2013), which let school districts set up school sentinel programs that train staff or volunteers to carry guns. It passed the Senate 21-14.

February 27, 2013Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1248 (2012), which proposed letting adults carry a concealed pistol without a permit if they were eligible for one. Gov. Dennis Daugaard vetoed it, and the House failed to override 27-40.

March 19, 2012Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of SB 89 (2010), which declared guns, gun parts, and ammunition made and kept in South Dakota exempt from federal regulation. The governor signed it.

March 11, 2010Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of SB 70 (2009), which repealed the 48-hour waiting period to buy a pistol. It passed the Senate 34-0 and the House 67-1, and the governor signed it.

March 12, 2009Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1261 (2008), which barred public colleges from restricting guns carried lawfully under state law. It passed the House 63-3.

February 4, 2008Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1190 (2005), which recognized valid concealed pistol permits from other states. It passed both chambers without a no vote and became law.

February 18, 2005Opposes Gun Control

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Signed three abortion bills. HB 1274 let the attorney general prosecute shipping abortion pills for unlawful use, and HB 1257 said miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy care are not abortions.

March 20, 2026Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: dakotanewsnow.com · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on SB 110 (2018), which added legislative findings and rules about counseling before an abortion. It passed the House 56-9.

February 26, 2018Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1101 (2017), which raised the penalty for performing an abortion after the point when the unborn child can feel pain. It passed the House 58-8.

February 14, 2017Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1162 (2014), which banned abortions based on the sex of the unborn child. It passed the Senate 30-5, and the governor signed it.

March 26, 2014Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1217 (2011), which made women wait 72 hours and consult a pregnancy help center before an abortion. It passed the Senate 21-13.

March 2, 2011Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1293 (2007), a bill to ban most abortions and send the ban to a statewide vote. It passed the House 45-25.

February 14, 2007Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1215 (2006), a law banning nearly all abortions in South Dakota. It passed the House 47-22.

February 9, 2006Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1191 (2004), a bill to ban abortion in South Dakota. It passed the House 54-14.

February 10, 2004Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the House prime sponsor of HCR 1012 (2002), a resolution asking the FDA to reconsider its approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. The House adopted it 54-15 and the Senate agreed 33-1.

February 5, 2002Opposes Women's Reproductive Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1247 (2012), which required officials to remove anyone serving a felony sentence from the voter rolls. The governor signed it.

March 12, 2012Opposes Civil Rights

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Vetoed HB 1138, which required state licenses for non-medical home care agencies. He said its rules were too broad and gave a false sense of protection.

March 25, 2026Opposes Corporate Accountability

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Received President Donald Trump's endorsement for the November 2026 governor's race.

August 27, 2026

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration after late June and early July storms damaged eight counties and two reservations.

July 27, 2026

Source: dakotanewsnow.com · researched September 24, 2026

Received the endorsement of Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson before the July 2026 Republican runoff for governor.

July 23, 2026

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Vetoed HB 1077, a ban on selling lab-grown meat. He said banning products just because people dislike them went against state values. He backed a five-year pause instead.

February 9, 2026

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Asked the South Dakota Supreme Court for an advisory opinion on whether the lieutenant governor can break a tie on final passage of a bill in the Senate.

January 27, 2026

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Appointed Judge Robert Gusinsky to the South Dakota Supreme Court, replacing retiring Justice Janine Kern.

November 4, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Sent 12 South Dakota National Guard members to Washington, D.C., at President Trump's request to support his crime crackdown there.

August 31, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Signed an agreement with U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to bring fireworks back to Mount Rushmore for America's 250th birthday in 2026.

June 25, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Vetoed HB 1169, which proposed requiring petition signatures from every legislative district for constitutional amendments. He said it was unlikely to survive a court challenge.

March 25, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Signed SB 68 (2025), which requires a person to be a U.S. citizen to vote and set a penalty for violations.

March 25, 2025

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Created the Project Prison Reset task force by executive order in February 2025, after lawmakers rejected an $825 million prison plan.

March 17, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Signed HB 1052, which banned the use of eminent domain to take land for carbon dioxide pipelines. He said landowners saw it as a threat to their property rights.

March 6, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Signed HB 1053 (2025), which requires websites with material harmful to minors to verify users' ages.

February 27, 2025

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Chose state Rep. Tony Venhuizen, a former chief of staff to two governors, as his lieutenant governor.

January 29, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

In his first address to the Legislature as governor, asked the state's tribal leaders to make a fresh start with him.

January 28, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Was sworn in on Jan. 27, 2025, as South Dakota's 34th governor after Kristi Noem left to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

January 27, 2025

Source: sdpb.org · researched September 24, 2026

Took over as interim state Secretary of Agriculture in May 2020, while also serving as lieutenant governor, after Secretary Kim Vanneman retired.

May 5, 2020

Source: drgnews.com · researched September 24, 2026

Was elected lieutenant governor on Kristi Noem's ticket in November 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

November 6, 2018

Source: governor.sd.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1081 (2018), which made permanent the state law on public recreation on lakes that cover private land. The governor signed it.

March 9, 2018

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1007 (2018), which required each citizen-initiated ballot measure to cover only one subject. It passed the House 57-9.

February 14, 2018

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Served as House Majority Whip in 2017 and 2018 and chaired the House State Affairs Committee.

January 10, 2017

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HCR 1008 (2013), a resolution opposing the United Nations sustainability plan known as Agenda 21. The House and Senate both adopted it.

February 28, 2013

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1187 (2012), which exempted health care sharing ministries from state health insurance rules. The governor signed it.

March 2, 2012

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1194 (2011), which created a State of South Dakota endowment fund. It passed the Senate 19-15, and the governor signed it.

March 11, 2011

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Chaired the Senate State Affairs Committee from 2011 through 2014 and led the Legislature's Agricultural Land Assessment Task Force.

January 11, 2011

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Served as Senate Majority Whip in 2009 and 2010 and chaired the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

January 13, 2009

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1120 (2008), which lowered the property tax levies that fund school districts' general budgets. The governor signed it.

March 13, 2008

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

As House Majority Leader, was the prime sponsor of HB 1005 (2008), which taxed farmland based on the income it can produce instead of its sale value. The governor signed it.

February 20, 2008

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1160 (2007), which removed the requirement that a doctor take part in carrying out a death sentence. It passed the House 56-14 and the Senate 31-3 and became law.

February 14, 2007

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1080 (2006), which barred counties, cities, and housing commissions from using eminent domain to take private property for a private party. It passed 67-1 and 35-0 and became law.

February 14, 2006

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Served as House Majority Leader from 2005 through 2008 and chaired the House State Affairs Committee in those years.

January 11, 2005

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1180 (2004), which exempted certain transportation services from state sales and use tax. It passed the House 68-0 and the Senate 33-2 and became law.

February 24, 2004

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Was the prime sponsor of HB 1297 (2004), which limited the transfer of state-owned land to the federal government. It passed the House 49-20 and the Senate 33-1 and became law.

February 23, 2004

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026

Voted yes on HB 1084 (2001), a proposed freeze on new video lottery businesses and machines. The House rejected it 18-51.

January 30, 2001

Source: sdlegislature.gov · researched September 24, 2026