Dakotans for Health Sues South Dakota Over HB 1184 Attack on Voter Rights
- Dakotans For Health
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 2
We’re fighting back to protect your constitutional rights—and we need you with us.
On April 1, 2025, Dakotans for Health and our Chair, Rick Weiland, filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of State Monae Johnson, challenging House Bill 1184, a dangerous new law that undermines South Dakotans’ right to petition their government.
This law is no accident. It’s the latest in a long line of attacks from the South Dakota Legislature—led by politicians like Rep. Jon Hansen—designed to suppress citizen-led ballot measures by making it harder, colder, and costlier to gather signatures.
What’s at stake?
Our constitutional right to direct democracy.
House Bill 1184 rolls back the signature deadline for ballot initiatives from May to February—forcing volunteers into dangerous winter conditions, reducing voter engagement, and making the already difficult process of signature collection nearly impossible.
And that’s exactly the point.
“The citizens’ right to initiate change has never been more important,” said Rick Weiland. “We’re asking the courts to protect South Dakotans’ First Amendment rights—because if this law stands, it will silence everyday people and hand even more power to Pierre politicians.”
But we’re not backing down.
We’re demanding the courts block this unconstitutional law before it takes effect—and we’re fighting not just for our organization, but for the thousands of South Dakotans who believe in government by the people.
➡️ TAKE ACTION:
✅ Read the lawsuit
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✅ Donate to support the fight
This is a defining moment for South Dakota democracy. Let’s meet it together.
📎 Attachments:
Dakotans for Health et al. v. Monae Johnson – Complaint (PDF)
Memo in Support of Preliminary and Permanent Injunction (PDF)
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Help Us Defend Democracy in South Dakota
We’re in court fighting for your right to shape the laws that govern your life. But legal action takes resources—and the politicians attacking our freedoms are well-funded.
If you believe South Dakotans—not politicians in Pierre—should decide our future, chip in today to help us win this fight.
Note: if you have saved your contribution information with ActBlue Express your donation will go through immediately.
P.S. You can always make a direct contribution to support the campaign too. We prefer ActBlue if you can. You can also send us a check to Dakotans for Health, PO Box 2063, Sioux Falls, SD 57101.
About Dakotans for Health:
Dakotans for Health is a grassroots organization focused on healthcare and protecting the democratic process. The organization was instrumental in the successful 2022 campaign to expand Medicaid coverage to 52,000 low-income South Dakotans. Dakotans for Health will continue its efforts to ensure our neighbors have access to the care they need, no matter who they are, what they look like, or how much money they have.
Keep fighting the good fight Rick, together the people will prevail!