A tragic incident on Lake Madison last July has sparked significant legislative action in South Dakota. The death of young Emmy Gorman, who was struck and killed by a speeding jet skier, has led to the introduction of Senate Bill 8, aimed at enhancing boating safety laws in the state.

The heartbreaking event highlighted a critical gap in existing laws, which only allowed for a charge of reckless boating—a class 1 misdemeanor—against the driver who fled the scene. This incident is not an isolated case, as similar tragedies have occurred on South Dakota's lakes and rivers, prompting community leaders to demand change.

Senate Bill 8 seeks to provide law enforcement with stronger tools to hold impaired and irresponsible boaters accountable, ultimately aiming to prevent future tragedies. The bill has garnered widespread support from key law enforcement agencies, including the South Dakota Attorney General, the State's Attorneys Association, and the South Dakota Sheriffs Association. It passed through both the Senate and House Judiciary committees with unanimous backing.

Emmy's family is also advocating for the bill, with her mother, Stacy Gorman, expressing the desire to honor Emmy's memory by ensuring that her death leads to meaningful change in boating safety. The community's call for action reflects a collective commitment to protecting families who enjoy South Dakota's waterways.