HB 1269 requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment (like tractors, combines, and irrigation systems) to provide independent repair shops or equipment owners with necessary repair information and tools. It mandates that manufacturers share diagnostic codes, manuals, and specialty tools under "fair and reasonable terms," while protecting trade secrets and confidential information. The law specifically covers equipment used in farming, excluding motor vehicles and industrial machinery, and applies to both current and newer equipment. This policy change directly affects farmers and independent repair businesses by expanding their ability to repair equipment without relying solely on manufacturer-approved services.
HB 1288 modifies South Dakota law to allow counties and first/second-class municipalities with comprehensive plans to create local ordinances governing sand, gravel, and aggregate mining operations, provided they don’t conflict with state law. It prohibits local governments from requiring additional bonds beyond state requirements and mandates that the Board of Minerals and Environment must consider local ordinances when reviewing mining permits. The bill also establishes a 60-day conditional permit process if local permits are delayed, requiring applicants to notify the Board once local permits are secured before operations begin. These changes amend Sections 45-6-65 and 45-6B-4 of the state code.
Senate Bill 97 adjusts property tax revenue limits for South Dakota taxing districts and school districts. For school districts, it changes the annual revenue increase cap from "lesser of 3% or index factor" to a flat 3% over the prior year's revenue, effective 2021. For general taxing districts, it adds a specific 3.5% cap on revenue increases above normal limits for taxes payable in 2027-2031. The bill also clarifies that property improvements to owner-occupied homes increasing value by 40% or less do not count toward the revenue limit. These changes directly affect local governments and school districts managing property tax revenue.
SB 162 revises the factors South Dakota courts must consider when deciding to deviate from the standard child support amount. It adds seven specific criteria, including financial hardship (presumed if support exceeds 50% of a parent's net income), special needs of the child, agreements for extra support, and federal tax consequences of claiming the child. The bill does not create new requirements but updates existing law to clarify when courts may adjust payments beyond the standard schedule. This directly affects parents and courts handling child support cases in South Dakota.
SB 146 clarifies the rules when a gubernatorial appointee resigns from a board or commission requiring Senate confirmation. It states that the resigning appointee must continue serving until one of three events occurs: the Governor appoints a replacement with Senate consent, an interim appointment is made (requiring Senate action), or the resigning person sets an earlier departure date in writing. This applies specifically to boards/commissions whose members are appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, not to those exempted by law. The bill does not change who can be appointed but ensures continuity until a new appointment is finalized.
SB 163 repeals South Dakota's "shared parenting child support cross credit" provision (§ 25-7-6.27), which previously allowed courts to adjust child support payments when children spent roughly equal time (180+ nights/year) with both parents. This repeal removes a specific calculation method that would reduce payments for noncustodial parents in equal-sharing custody arrangements by offsetting each parent's share based on income and parenting time. The bill directly affects parents in shared parenting custody cases who previously qualified for this adjustment. After this repeal, child support will be calculated using standard formulas without this cross-credit adjustment, meaning parents in equal-sharing arrangements will no longer have their payments reduced through this specific mechanism.
SB 160 requires fishing guides in South Dakota to register annually with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. It directly affects individuals who provide paid fishing guide services, imposing a $50 fee for residents and $250 for non-residents. Guides must submit daily electronic reports detailing trip dates, participants, locations, and fish species/numbers taken. Failure to register is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and fees collected fund fish restocking efforts based on reported catches. The bill establishes registration eligibility (age 21+, truthful application) and allows the Commission to deny or suspend registration for misrepresentation or missed reports.
SB 170 requires businesses to provide a clear, upfront notice when consumers interact with chatbots, AI agents, or other technologies designed to mimic human conversation, preventing deception. It directly affects businesses using such technology in commercial transactions, mandating disclosure before interaction begins. Violations could result in actual damages, $1,000 per violation, or class-action limits of $10 million, with the attorney general able to seek enforcement. The law aims to ensure transparency in digital consumer interactions without restricting legitimate business use.
HB 1211 creates a digital registry identification card for medical cannabis patients in South Dakota, replacing the current physical card. This digital card will be issued to qualifying patients and their designated caregivers who have received certification from a healthcare provider for a qualifying medical condition. The bill amends existing law to define "Cardholder" as someone possessing a valid digital registry card, which will be used to verify eligibility for medical cannabis use under state law. The change modernizes the verification process but does not alter the qualifying medical conditions or possession limits for patients.
HB 1267 requires all livestock owners in South Dakota to undergo mandatory ownership inspections when moving animals within or out of the state, directly affecting ranchers, farmers, and livestock transporters. Key provisions include establishing a Brand Board to register brands (with fees up to $50 for registration), set inspection fees ($1 per animal), and enforce rules for out-of-state brands (requiring permits unless rebranded). The law mandates inspections for all livestock leaving inspection areas by July 1, 2029, and imposes penalties for violations, including a Class 1 misdemeanor for noncompliance. It also creates specific fee structures for brand transfers ($50), renewals ($18/year or $90 for 5 years), and inspections outside designated areas.
HB 1315 would allow South Dakota voters to initiate a recall of local elected officials or individuals appointed to fill vacancies in their offices. To trigger a recall, a petition requiring signatures from 15% of registered voters in the official's jurisdiction (based on the prior general election) must be filed, along with specific grounds for removal such as crime, incompetence, or misconduct. If the petition meets requirements, a special election must be held within 60 days to decide removal, with the official allowed to remain on the ballot unless they request otherwise. The bill does not apply to officials subject to impeachment under the state constitution.
HB 1273 revises definitions and clarifies rules for "life of the mine permits" in South Dakota's mining law. It specifically defines how mining operators can temporarily pause operations (up to 180 days with notice) and extend pauses up to 10 years total, provided they submit plans for resuming work and maintain reclamation measures. This affects mining companies operating under these permits and the Board of Minerals and Environment, which oversees the process. The bill focuses on procedural clarity for permit management without introducing new environmental or financial requirements.
