PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley released a draft explanation Friday for a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the bar for passing future changes to the state constitution.

The proposal, which was approved by the 2025 South Dakota Legislature, seeks to require an affirmative vote of at least 60 percent for any future constitutional amendment or revision to be approved. The draft explanation was filed Friday with the Secretary of State’s Office, a mandatory step under state law for measures slated for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Jackley stated that his office takes no position on the proposal itself. State law requires the Attorney General to provide a fair and neutral summary to help educate voters on the purpose, effect, and legal consequences of any measure appearing on a ballot.

Rep. John Hughes and Sen. Sue Peterson are listed as the prime sponsors of the resolution, which would shift the state away from the current simple majority requirement for most constitutional changes.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the explanation is intended to be an objective, clear, and simple summary. Once filed, state law provides a 10-day window for the public to provide written comments on the language of the explanation.

The draft was filed May 1, 2026, making the deadline for public comments May 11, 2026, at the close of business in Pierre. The Attorney General is then required to submit a final version to the Secretary of State by May 19, 2026.

Residents in Rapid City and across the state can submit comments regarding the draft language via mail, hand delivery, or email to the Attorney General’s Office. Officials noted that comments should focus specifically on the wording of the explanation rather than the merits of the 60 percent threshold.

If the measure is ultimately approved by voters in 2026, it would create a higher voting hurdle for both citizen-initiated amendments and those referred to the ballot by the state legislature. Copies of all public comments received by the deadline will be posted on the Attorney General’s website.