FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2023

Contact: Ian Fury

Gov. Noem’s Workforce Freedom Bill Goes into Effect July 1

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Noem’s Workforce Freedom bill, SB 76, will go into effect on July 1^st. The bill recognizes out-of-state occupational licenses for nearly every profession. The prime sponsors of the legislation were Sen. Jim Stalzer (R-11) and Rep. Tyler Tordsen (R-14).

“Our economy is booming, but our workforce is experiencing some growing pains. South Dakota has the lowest unemployment in the history of the nation, but we still have 25,000 open jobs,” said Governor Noem. “We’re tackling this workforce shortage head-on. My first year in office, I signed legislation that recognized occupational licenses for military spouses who moved to our state. Then, I proposed and signed legislation to recognize healthcare licenses of folks moving here from other states. Now, we are finishing the job we started.”

Governor Noem recently launched “Freedom Works Here,” a nationwide workforce recruitment campaign, to show America that South Dakota is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. In the ads, Governor Noem emphasizes that this Workforce Freedom bill will make it easier for folks to start working once they get to South Dakota.

This law helps tackle the state’s workforce challenges by making it easier for employers to hire individuals who move here with the skills and qualifications to work in licensed professions. South Dakota will welcome those moving here to build the American Dream.

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