Rep. Erik Muckey

Maddy summaryHB 1118 appropriates $1,720,000 to fund the design and construction of a new wean-to-finish barn addition at South Dakota State University's swine research facility. The bill directly affects SDSU's agricultural programs and swine research operations by enabling facility upgrades for raising pigs from weaning to market weight. Key provisions include allowing cost adjustments for inflation (up to 125% of the initial amount), accepting external funds (like federal grants or donations), and declaring an emergency to expedite funding. The bill does not alter existing laws but provides specific funding for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 605 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the monarch butterfly's ecological importance and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts in South Dakota. It urges state agencies, local governments, and land managers to preserve existing milkweed habitats where practical and prioritize pollinator-friendly native seed mixes - including milkweed - in plantings that align with land management goals. The resolution specifically emphasizes voluntary cooperation with landowners and agricultural operations, avoiding regulatory impacts, while urging federal agencies to support these efforts through technical assistance. It does not create new legal requirements but formally supports existing conservation practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for a single grant to a statewide food distribution organization. This organization must distribute food to all counties across South Dakota, with at least $1.5 million of the grant required to purchase food directly from local South Dakota farmers and producers. The bill mandates annual reports detailing grant spending, types/amounts of food purchased, and distribution to food pantries, to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture until the full grant is expended. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and is intended to support food pantries statewide while prioritizing local agricultural purchases.

Maddy summaryThis resolution supports South Dakota's request to Congress for authorization and federal funding of specific rural water projects identified by the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS). It directly affects rural communities across South Dakota relying on four key regional systems: Dakota Mainstem (central/southern), Western Dakota (western), Lewis and Clark (expansion planning), and Water Investment in Northern SD. The resolution urges coordination between local water providers, state agencies, and federal partners to advance these projects through congressional authorization under the Bureau of Reclamation. It does not create new projects but formally requests federal action to enable existing regional water supply solutions addressing documented water quantity and quality needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1137 allocates $40 million from state funds for the design and construction of a new athletic facility at the University of South Dakota. The facility will include an indoor track, practice areas, seating for 2,000 spectators, and supporting amenities like locker rooms and training spaces. The bill allows for cost adjustments up to 125% of the original estimate to account for inflation or regulatory changes, and declares an emergency to expedite the project. Unspent funds would revert per state procedures, and the project cannot create state debt or liens. The bill directly affects the University of South Dakota's athletic programs and facilities.

Maddy summarySB 211 prohibits ambulance providers from billing patients for out-of-network emergency services beyond required coinsurance, copayments, or deductibles. It requires health insurance plans to reimburse out-of-network ambulance providers at local rates (or 325% of Medicare rates if no local rate exists) within 30 days, and mandates clear billing explanations for patients. The law also establishes a complaint process through the Division of Insurance for violations and requires the division to post reimbursement rates online by 2027. It excludes self-funded employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and other federally regulated programs from these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 812) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Glenn Muller, a South Dakota agricultural leader. It formally commends his career in the state's pork industry, including his work with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, his role in expanding swine operations, and his advocacy for agriculture. The resolution specifically recognizes his receipt of awards like the South Dakota Corn Growers Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 Governor's Ag Ambassador designation. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for his contributions to South Dakota agriculture.

Maddy summaryHB 1113 establishes a downpayment assistance program for manufactured or mobile home buyers in South Dakota. The program provides zero-interest loans of up to $10,000 per applicant from a $5 million revolving fund in the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund. Eligibility requires household income below 120% of the state median income and purchasing a home meeting federal safety standards and local zoning requirements for single-family residences. Repayments return to the fund to support new loans, with loans secured by a second lien due upon home sale or repayment of the primary mortgage. This directly assists low-to-moderate income residents seeking to purchase qualifying manufactured or mobile homes.

Maddy summarySB 225 directs that 4% of the interest earnings from South Dakota's unclaimed property trust fund (without touching the principal) be distributed annually to school districts starting in fiscal year 2026. The funds will be apportioned to school districts based on their student enrollment, following the existing method used for other school funding. This adds a new source of revenue for school districts through the trust fund's interest, calculated using the fund's market value as of December 31 each year. The bill modifies existing statutes to implement this distribution, ensuring the funds are added to the general fund before being allocated to schools under current apportionment rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1251 creates two new state funds: the "target teacher salary supplement fund" (administered by the Department of Education) and the "community-based providers methodology supplement fund" (administered by the Department of Human Services). The bill directs that unspent state funds from the previous fiscal year - after a portion is placed in a budget reserve - be split equally (30% each) into these two new funds. These funds will directly support increases in teacher salaries and provider rates for community-based services, as specified in existing law. The transfers occur automatically each year through the state's budget process, with expenditures requiring annual legislative approval.