FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878 

Attorney General Jackley Testifies in Opposition

To Bill Repealing State’s Death Penalty

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Wednesday testified in opposition to House Bill 1268 which would have repealed capital punishment in South Dakota.

“The death penalty is, and should be, used sparingly in South Dakota and in only the most extreme cases,” said Attorney General Jackley, who has consistently opposed repeal of the death penalty. “The death penalty protects the innocent including citizens, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and other officers from the most dangerous individuals in our society.“

House Bill 1268 was tabled in the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 10-1 with two excused.

-30-

Photo courtesy of SDPB