South Dakota 2026 Regular Session

South Dakota Senate Bill SCR608

Introduced
2/4/26  
Engrossed
2/11/26  

Caption

Urging collaboration to reduce hunger and food waste in this state under the protections of the 1996 Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

Impact

The legislation aims to influence state laws by encouraging food service establishments to collaborate with community organizations under the specified protections of the Good Samaritan Act. By reducing food waste and bringing together resources to combat hunger, the resolution fosters a supportive framework for addressing food insecurity throughout the state. This collaborative approach could potentially modify local practices regarding food disposal and donation, enhancing overall community support systems for those in need.

Summary

SCR608 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging collaboration between community service providers and food service establishments in South Dakota to mitigate hunger and food waste. It emphasizes the significance of the 1996 Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which offers protections against liability for food donors. The resolution highlights the increasing need for food assistance due to disruptions in government programs and points out the alarming statistics of food insecurity affecting over 110,000 individuals in South Dakota, including nearly 40,000 children. SCR608 advocates for active involvement from restaurants and grocery stores to support the redistribution of excess food through nonprofit organizations, helping to alleviate hunger in communities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR608 appears to be generally positive, as there is an acknowledgment of the urgent need to address hunger and food waste in South Dakota. Legislative discussions likely reflect a consensus on the benefits of collaboration among food service providers and nonprofit organizations. However, there could be underlying concerns regarding the enforcement and effectiveness of such collaborations, as well as the capacity of existing nonprofit organizations to handle increased responsibilities.

Contention

While SCR608 is primarily focused on encouraging collaboration and reducing waste, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of such collaborative efforts. Concerns might arise regarding the extent to which restaurants and food service establishments will engage in the proposed initiatives, as well as potential challenges in the logistics of food donation processes. Moreover, the effectiveness of the liability protections guaranteed by the Good Samaritan Act could be scrutinized, with stakeholders questioning whether these safeguards are sufficient to motivate more businesses to donate excess food.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD SB213

Exempt any food grown, raised, or otherwise produced in this state from state sales tax.

SD HCR6012

Urging the Supreme Court of the United States to establish marriage as between a man and a woman.

SD HB1078

Establish provisions related to the disclosure of COVID-19 vaccination status and blood donations.

SD HCR6006

Urging the State Investment Council to invest in Bitcoin.

SD HC8019

Honoring the Watertown Arrows as the 2024 Class 11AA football state champions.

SD SC817

Honoring the life of former legislator and educator Jan Nicolay for her service to this state.

SD HB1179

Clarify certain labeling and sales requirements for homemade food items.

SD HB1187

Authorize the sale of home-processed poultry and pork by producers who verify compliance with food safety training requirements.

SD SB36

Repeal the oath requirement for an application for a lodging establishment, campground, food service establishment, or mobile food service establishment license.

SD HCR6002

Urging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to remove the requirement of a project labor agreement for federal construction projects.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.