Rep. Karla Lems

Maddy summaryHB 1116 prohibits video streaming services (like Netflix or Disney+) from showing ads about abortion, alcohol, drugs, gambling, gender identity, nicotine, or sexual behavior during programming designed for children under 16. The law defines "children's programming" as content for under-16s and targets streaming services directly, excluding traditional broadcasters. Violations could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000, collected by the attorney general and deposited into the state general fund. This bill directly affects streaming platforms that offer content for young audiences and changes advertising rules during those programs.

Maddy summarySB 84 increases the income threshold for students to qualify for South Dakota's Partners in Education scholarship program. It raises the initial income requirement from 152% to a higher percentage of the national free/reduced-price lunch income standard (currently 152% for initial eligibility), directly affecting low-income students seeking tuition assistance at participating nonpublic schools. The bill maintains that students who qualify initially remain eligible for three years or until high school graduation without income checks, but must later meet a 250% income threshold to renew. This change expands access to the scholarship program by allowing more households to qualify under the new higher income cap.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of any food product containing "cell-cultured protein" in South Dakota from July 2026 through June 2036. The bill defines cell-cultured protein as meat-like products made from animal cells grown outside a live animal, excluding items like fermented foods or pharmaceuticals. Violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, and state inspectors can issue stop-sale orders for noncompliant food businesses. Businesses found violating the law may face license suspension or revocation for food service establishments.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 authorizes voters to remove county commissioners through a recall process. It requires petitions signed by 15% of district voters or 5% of county voters (based on the last general election), with signatures valid only within 60 days of filing. The petition must state specific grounds for removal, such as corruption, incompetence, or misconduct, and triggers a special election within 60 days to replace the commissioner. This bill directly affects county commissioners and voters in South Dakota counties, establishing a new procedure for their removal.

Maddy summarySB 1 amends South Dakota's "Employer's Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund" to clarify how funds are distributed for economic development loans and grants. The bill requires the Governor's Office of Economic Development to establish specific rules for applicants, including how economic impact is assessed, selection criteria, interest rate limits (capped at 200 basis points above the federal funds rate), and repayment procedures. It directly affects businesses, researchers, and organizations seeking funding for projects that boost the state's economy. The changes streamline the process for awarding loans/grants while ensuring repayments replenish the fund. The bill updates existing rules under Section 61-5-29.1 without altering the fund's core purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 1037 exempts active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces and veterans (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable) from paying resident fishing license fees in South Dakota. The bill adds a new provision to state law requiring the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to waive these fees for eligible individuals. This change directly affects military personnel and veterans who reside in South Dakota and purchase resident fishing licenses. The exemption applies to all resident fishing license fees mandated under existing state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1062 amends the laws governing how South Dakota maintains and publishes its statewide voter registration file. The bill directly affects the state's election officials and the public who access voter records. Key provisions likely update procedures for data management, access rules, or publication requirements for voter information. This change aims to clarify or modify existing regulations without altering the fundamental right to vote. The legislation focuses on administrative processes rather than substantive voting policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 1184, changes the deadline for citizens to submit petitions to start a ballot measure or constitutional amendment in South Dakota. It directly affects voters who wish to propose new laws or changes to the state constitution through the initiative process. The key provision adjusts the specific date by which these petitions must be filed, potentially altering when citizens can launch such efforts. This change modifies existing election procedures without adding new powers or restrictions to the initiative system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the signature requirement for petitions used to initiate constitutional amendments in South Dakota. It directly affects citizens who wish to propose changes to the state constitution by altering the number of valid signatures needed on these petitions. The key provision changes the threshold of voter signatures required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, making the process more or less accessible depending on the new numerical requirement. This change impacts the procedural steps for citizens seeking to propose constitutional changes but does not alter the content or approval process for amendments themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the 2024-2025 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team for their outstanding accomplishments. It designates the team for recognition, likely through a formal resolution or commemorative action. The measure directly affects the specific wrestling team and their community by acknowledging their achievements. No substantive policy changes are introduced, as the bill serves a commemorative purpose.