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House passes bill allowing courts to seal dismissed protection-order petitions

South Dakota House of Representatives · February 19, 2026

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Summary

HB 11-08 authorizes courts to seal petitions for protection orders when they are dismissed, not heard, or found to be harassing or frivolous; proponents said it prevents lasting harm from unproven allegations. The House passed the bill by a wide margin.

Representative Stevens presented HB 11-08 to allow courts to seal court files related to protection-order petitions where the petition was dismissed, when the petitioner failed to appear, or when a hearing finds the petition without basis. Stevens said the change prevents the permanent publication of allegations that were rejected or not pursued, describing the measure as protection for persons who were the subjects of unproven claims.

Sponsor testimony said the bill had been developed with interested parties and with support from the Unified Judicial System. Proponents argued sealing such files prevents long-term reputational harm where the court has found no basis for the claim.

The House approved HB 11-08 on final passage by recorded vote (ayes 58, nays 9, excused 3). The legislation moves to next steps per the legislative process.