Governor Kristi Noem has signed Senate Bill 31 that allows for the limited release of adult abuse case information necessary to assist adult protective services (APS) to achieve improved outcomes during an investigation.

South Dakota Department of Human Services Cabinet Secretary Shawnie Rechtenbaugh said, “The passage of this legislation will allow for more efficient delivery of services to vulnerable adults in South Dakota, by opening communication.”

APS investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation for vulnerable adults in South Dakota, those over the age of 60 and those over age 18 with a disability. 

Under South Dakota Codified Law, there were no specific guidelines allowing the release of information to cooperating agencies during an investigation; this change corrects that issue.

Rechtenbaugh added, “This legislation will give the department the ability to share information, which may help facilitate a positive outcome for victims of abuse and neglect.”

The new legislation is effective July 1, 2021