As an advocate for veterans, it is the responsibility of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs to review all legislative bills that will impact veterans. This year, the department introduced two bills and monitored 29 pieces of proposed legislation. Here’s a look at veteran related legislation that was approved and will become law July 1.

State tuition assistance benefit for the airmen and soldiers of the South Dakota National Guard was expanded to allow them to utilize this benefit at an in-state private, nonprofit post-secondary university.

March 25 has been designated as a state Medal of Honor Recognition Day.

Veterans that are eligible for a disabled veteran plate and the benefits that accompany the issuance of the plate, but do not wish to have to have the designation of being disabled, now have the option to receive the same fee schedule for regular plates on their vehicle.

The exempt value of property tax relief for disabled veterans and surviving spouses was increased to $200,000. This will apply for the 2025 assessment for taxes payable in 2026.

A special motor vehicle license plate is now available for recipients of the Legion of Merit award.

Residency requirements for admission to the State Veterans Home were removed.

Counties and tribes who encounter prolonged veterans service officer vacancies can contract with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs to provide those services.

As always, all veterans are encouraged to visit their county or tribal veterans service officers (CTVSO’s) to learn more about all benefits. In Charles Mix County, contact County Veteran Service Officer, Jerry Seiner, at 605-487-7691 or 605-481-1338 or Tribal Veteran Service Officer, Dennis Rucker, at 605-384-9932.