KOTA Territory NewsSD lawmaker looks at changing legal drinking age

SD lawmaker looks at changing legal drinking age

Katy Urban

Many state leaders have tried and failed to repeal a law that prevents people younger than 21 from drinking alcohol, but, state legislator Tim Rounds is ready for the fight. 

He's hoping to change the law to let 18 through 20 year-olds drink alcohol in controlled settings, like in clubs or with adults other than their parents.

Former state legislator Bill Napoli pushed for the repeal while in office.  He says many state leaders support the movement, but due to the potential loss of federal funding for South Dakota highways, his attempts were unsuccessful.

"The rights of our young people and justice and hypocrisy are way more important to me than any federal blood money," Napoli said in support of Rounds.

South Dakota would lose $17.5 million if Rounds successfully changes the drinking age.