A JOINT RESOLUTION, Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.

Section 1. That at the next general election held in the state, the following amendment to Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, as set forth in section 2 and 3 of this Joint Resolution, which is hereby agreed to, shall be submitted to the electors of the state for approval.

Section 2. That Article III, § 10 of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, be AMENDED:

§ 10. The Governor shall make appointments A special election shall be held, as provided by law, to fill such vacancies as may occur in either house of the Legislature.

Section 3. That Article III, § 6 of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, be AMENDED:

§ 6. The terms of office of the members of the Legislature shall be two years; they shall receive for their services the salary fixed by law under the provisions of § 2 of article XXI of this Constitution, and five cents for every mile of necessary travel in going to and returning from the place of meeting of the Legislature on the most usual route.

No person may serve more than four consecutive terms or a total of eight consecutive years in the senate and more than four consecutive terms or a total of eight consecutive years in the house of representatives. However, this restriction does not apply to partial terms to which a legislator may be appointed elected.

A regular session of the Legislature shall be held each year and shall not exceed forty legislative days, excluding Sundays, holidays and legislative recess, except in cases of impeachment, and members of the Legislature shall receive no other pay or perquisites except salary and mileage.

Section 4. Notwithstanding § 2-1-12, sections 2 and 3 are effective beginning January 1, 2027.