South Dakota House Bill HB1149

South Dakota 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/26
• Refer: 1/28/26
• Report Pass: 2/10/26
• Engrossed: 2/12/26
• Refer: 2/17/26
• Report Pass: 3/4/26
• Enrolled: 3/9/26
• Passed: 3/30/26

Caption

Adopt the athletic trainer licensure compact.

Impact

The enactment of HB1149 will significantly impact state laws governing the practice of athletic training. States that join the compact will need to conform to a uniform set of licensure requirements while retaining their regulatory powers to protect public health and safety. The bill includes provisions for criminal background checks and the sharing of licensure information among states, enhancing accountability and regulatory oversight. The collaboration among member states can potentially lead to improved practices and standards in athletic training across jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 1149 aims to establish the Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows licensed athletic trainers to practice in member states without needing additional licenses. This compact facilitates the mobility of athletic trainers across state lines, thus enhancing public access to athletic training services and promoting greater continuity of care for patients. By providing a streamlined process for licensure recognition, HB1149 seeks to address workforce challenges in athletic training, especially in areas where there is high demand for services.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB1149 appears to be favorable among those who advocate for expanded access to health care and athletic training services. Supporters argue that the compact will alleviate issues related to licensure barriers that currently hinder athletic trainers from providing care to patients in need. However, there may be concern from some stakeholders about maintaining the integrity of state regulations and ensuring that public safety is not compromised as licensure becomes more standardized across states.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB1149 relates to the extent of regulatory authority retained by individual states. While the compact aims to unify licensure standards, some critics express the worry that important local practices and regulations may be overshadowed or weakened by the standardized approach. Additionally, concerns about how disciplinary actions and adverse licensure impacts are handled across state lines present a challenge, as member states must navigate the complexities of existing state laws while adhering to the compact's stipulations.