SDCL § 5-5-1: Definition of terms.

Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Commissioner," the commissioner of school and public lands;

(2) "Lease," the original lease or a certified copy thereof;

(3) "Lessee," the original lessee, or the assignee of such lease, provided the assignment has been made upon the reverse of the original copy of the lease, or a certified copy thereof, and provided further that such assignment shall have been submitted to the commissioner on or before the first day of November first preceding the expiration date of the lease.