A holiday is often a happy day. Whether the kids are home from school or you’re off work for a long weekend, holidays can be a welcome relief. Many major holidays are either established or recognized by state and federal law. There are also various laws and regulations for when holidays are observed and what kind of observance will occur. Many states recognize holidays that aren’t observed (or even heard of) in other states. Here’s a brief summary of South Dakota’s legal holidays.
South Dakota Legal Holidays
All of the major American holidays are legal holidays in South Dakota. Sundays are also legal holidays in the state. It’s also one of two states that recognize Native Americans’ Day (the other is California). This isn’t necessarily an additional holiday, however. South Dakota’s Native Americans’ Day falls on the second Monday in October – when other states recognize Columbus Day. South Dakota law also recognizes holidays proclaimed by the President of the United States and the governor.
There are also provisions for determining when some observances occur. Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Veterans’ Day, and Christmas are always observed even when they fall on a weekend. If they’re on a Sunday the state observes the holiday the following Monday, and if they’re on a Saturday the state observes the holiday on the preceding Friday. Finally, South Dakota law permits anyone required to perform a contractually or legally obligated act on a day that turns out to be a holiday to perform it on the following day. South Dakota has no laws on holiday pay.
| Code Section | 1-5-1. |
| Holidays | New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Presidents Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Native Americans’ Day; Veterans’ Day; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day. |
| What Happens If a Holiday Falls on a Sunday? | When Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Veterans’ Day, or Christmas Day fall on a Sunday it is observed on the following Monday. |
| What Happens If a Holiday Falls on a Saturday? | When Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Veterans’ Day, or Christmas Day fall on a Saturday it is observed on the preceding Friday. |
| Law Requiring Holiday Pay? | No. |
Related Resources for Legal Holidays Laws
Legal holidays can differ from state to state. FindLaw offers more information about state legal holiday laws in general. Holidays can often raise questions related to employment law and wages and benefits. If you or someone you know may have a claim related to holidays, talking to a local employment lawyer can help.
