South Dakota § 34-27-31 - Discovery of human remains or funerary objects by state educational institution or museum--Contact state archaeologist--Notice to tribal officials--Tribal request--Disposition of remains or objects.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-27-31 — Discovery of human remains or funerary objects by state educational institution or museum--Contact state archaeologist--Notice to tribal officials--Tribal request--Disposition of remains or objects., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-27-31. Discovery of human remains or funerary objects by state educational institution or museum--Contact state archaeologist--Notice to tribal officials--Tribal request--Disposition of remains or objects.
If any state supported educational institution or state supported museum comes into possession of human skeletal remains or associated funerary objects from South Dakota following July 1, 1990, the institution or museum shall contact the state archaeologist within fifteen days of the find. Within a reasonable period of time from contact by the institution or museum, but not to exceed one year, the state archaeologist shall identify the remains or objects. If review by the state archaeologist demonstrates to his satisfaction that the remains or objects are not directly related to a tribal group, the state archaeologist is responsible for their final disposition after consultation with the director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. If review by the state archaeologist demonstrates to his satisfaction that there is a direct relationship of the remains or objects to a tribal group, the state archaeologist shall notify the director of the South Dakota State Historical Society and shall initiate contact with officials of that tribal group as designated by the Office of Indian Affairs. If, within one year of the first contact with the tribal group as set forth in this section, the tribal group requests return of the remains or objects, the state archaeologist shall turn over to the tribal group the remains or objects. If, within one year of the first contact with the tribal group as set forth in this section, the tribal group has not requested the return of the remains or objects, the state archaeologist is responsible for their final disposition after consultation with the director of the South Dakota State Historical Society.
Source: SL 1991, ch 281, § 3A; SL 2015, ch 277 (Ex. Ord. 15-1), § 19, eff. Apr. 20, 2015; SL 2021, ch 7, § 4.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 34-27-31
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-27-31 cover?
Section 34-27-31 ("Discovery of human remains or funerary objects by state educational institution or museum--Contact state archaeologist--Notice to tribal officials--Tribal request--Disposition of remains or objects.") 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 § 34-27-31?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 34-27-31" (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 § 34-27-31 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.