South Dakota Senate Bill SB219

South Dakota 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/6/25
• Report Pass: 2/13/25
• Engrossed: 2/18/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Report Pass: 2/26/25
• Enrolled: 2/27/25
• Passed: 3/13/25

Caption

Require the acceptance of a cash payment for admission to a school-affiliated event.

Impact

If enacted, SB219 would significantly alter the existing policies around payment for school-affiliated events. By explicitly requiring schools to accept cash, the bill would ensure that all students and their families can attend events without being excluded due to cashless payment methods. This measure could particularly benefit lower-income families or those who may not have access to digital payment forms but can provide cash. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the importance of providing equal access to educational and extracurricular opportunities offered by schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 219 seeks to mandate that qualifying schools in South Dakota must accept cash payments for admissions to school-affiliated events. This bill stipulates that if an individual is denied entry due to an inability to pay with methods other than cash and is capable of providing sufficient cash on-site, they must be allowed entry at no charge, provided there is available seating. The intention behind this bill is to address concerns related to access and inclusion for all individuals attending school events, regardless of their preferred payment method.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB219 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for student rights and inclusivity, as it emphasizes fairness for attendees who may be financially disadvantaged or prefer traditional payment methods. However, there may also be concerns from school administrations regarding the practical implications of managing cash handling, security issues, and the logistical challenges of ensuring compliance with the bill's requirements.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention may arise around the feasibility of enforcing this mandate, as schools would need to create processes to handle cash payments effectively and securely. There may also be debates regarding the potential financial impacts on schools, including administrative burdens or the risk of losing revenue from events if cash payment becomes more prevalent. Critics might argue that such a mandate could create challenges in transitioning to modern payment systems that favor digital transactions, which are increasingly common in society.