59-12-19. Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney.
(1)A person shall accept a South Dakota compliant power of attorney or request a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subdivision 59-12-18(4) no later than ten business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance. If a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subdivision 59-12-18(4), the person shall accept the power of attorney no later than five business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel. A person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the power of attorney presented.
(2)A person is not required to accept a South Dakota compliant power of attorney if:
(a)The person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances;
(b)Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with state or federal law;
(c)The person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agent's authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power;
(d)A request for a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subdivision 59-12-18(4) is refused;
(e)The person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subdivision 59-12-18(4) has been requested or provided; or
(f)The person makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to the South Dakota Department of Social Services, South Dakota Department of Human Services, or law enforcement stating a good faith belief that the principal may be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment by the agent or a person acting for or with the agent.
(3)A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept a South Dakota compliant power of attorney is subject to:
(a)A court order mandating acceptance of the power of attorney; and
(b)Liability for reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance of the power of attorney.
Source: SL 2020, ch 214, ยง 19.
Structure South Dakota Codified Laws
Chapter 12 - Uniform Power Of Attorney Act
Section 59-12-1 - Definitions.
Section 59-12-2 - Applicability.
Section 59-12-3 - Durable power of attorney.
Section 59-12-4 - Execution of power of attorney.
Section 59-12-5 - Validity of power of attorney.
Section 59-12-6 - Meaning and effect of power of attorney.
Section 59-12-8 - When power of attorney is effective.
Section 59-12-9 - Termination of power of attorney or agent's authority.
Section 59-12-10 - Coagents and successor agents.
Section 59-12-11 - Reimbursement and compensation of agent.
Section 59-12-12 - Agent's acceptance.
Section 59-12-13 - Agent's duties.
Section 59-12-14 - Exoneration of agent.
Section 59-12-15 - Judicial relief.
Section 59-12-16 - Agent's liability.
Section 59-12-17 - Agent's resignation--Notice.
Section 59-12-18 - Acceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney.
Section 59-12-19 - Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney.
Section 59-12-20 - Principles of law and equity.
Section 59-12-21 - Laws applicable to financial institutions and entities.
Section 59-12-22 - Remedies under other law.
Section 59-12-23 - Authority that requires specific grant--Grant of general authority.
Section 59-12-24 - Incorporation of authority.
Section 59-12-25 - Construction of authority generally.
Section 59-12-26 - Real property.
Section 59-12-27 - Tangible personal property.
Section 59-12-28 - Stocks and bonds.
Section 59-12-29 - Commodities and options.
Section 59-12-30 - Banks and other financial institutions.
Section 59-12-31 - Operation of entity or business.
Section 59-12-32 - Insurance and annuities.
Section 59-12-33 - Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.
Section 59-12-34 - Claims and litigation.
Section 59-12-35 - Personal and family maintenance.
Section 59-12-36 - Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service.
Section 59-12-37 - Retirement plans.
Section 59-12-40 - Effect on existing powers of attorney.
Section 59-12-41 - Statutory form--Power of attorney.