South Dakota § 20-9-12 - Definition of terms.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 20-9-12 — Definition of terms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-9-12. Definition of terms.
Terms used in §§ 20-9-12 to 20-9-18, inclusive, mean:
(1) "Agritourism activity," any activity carried out on a farm, on a ranch, or in a forest that allows members of the public, for recreation, entertainment, or education purposes, to view or participate in agricultural activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own, or nature-based activities and attractions. An activity is not an agritourism activity if the participant is paid to participate in the activity;
(2) "Charge," the admission price or fee asked in return for an invitation or permission to enter on or use the land. Any nonmonetary gift to an owner that is less than one hundred dollars in value may not be construed to be a charge;
(3) "Inherent risk," the conditions, dangers, or hazards that are an integral part of the land used for agricultural purposes, including:
(a) Surface and subsurface conditions and natural conditions of land, vegetation, and waters;
(b) The behavior of wild and domestic animals;
(c) The ordinary dangers of structures or equipment ordinarily used in farming or ranching operations, if the structures or equipment are used for farming or ranching purposes;
(d) The potential of a participant in an agritourism activity to act in a negligent way that may contribute to an injury to the participant or others, whether by failing to follow safety procedures or by failing to act with reasonable caution while engaging in the agritourism activity;
(4) "Land," land, trails, water, watercourses, private ways, and structures, and machinery or equipment if attached to the realty;
(5) "Outdoor recreational activity," includes any of the following activities, or any combination thereof: hunting, fishing, swimming other than in a swimming pool, boating, canoeing, camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, off-road driving, aviation activity, nature study, water skiing, winter sports, snowmobiling, or viewing or enjoying historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites, or an agritourism activity;
(6) "Owner," the possessor of a fee interest, a tenant, lessee, occupant, or person in control of the land;
(7) "Participant," an individual who, for purposes of outdoor recreational activity, enters on or uses the land of another but does not include an owner of the land or an agent, employee, or contractor of an owner of the land.
Source: SL 1987, ch 158, § 1; SL 1990, ch 154; SL 2010, ch 109, § 1; SL 2012, ch 117, § 1; SL 2022, ch 57, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 20-9-12
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 20-9-12 cover?
Section 20-9-12 ("Definition of terms.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 20-9-12?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 20-9-12" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 20-9-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.