Maddy summaryHB 1064 allows South Dakota livestock producers to sell meat they raised and processed directly to end consumers in the state, pending federal legalization of such sales. The bill requires meat to be raised, slaughtered, and processed entirely within South Dakota, sold only to final consumers (not resold), and labeled with a warning that it’s uninspected and cannot be redistributed. It becomes effective only after the attorney general certifies that federal law permits such sales, either through new federal legislation or a court ruling declaring the current federal prohibition unconstitutional. This bill does not change current federal restrictions but prepares South Dakota for future direct-to-consumer sales once federal barriers are lifted.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 187 defines "nonpublic school" in South Dakota law as an institution operated by individuals or groups (not publicly elected boards) that teaches math and English fundamentals to children of compulsory school age, with English instruction focused on mastery. The bill specifies that such schools may limit enrollment, charge tuition, receive grants or services from school districts, but cannot claim geographic territory for tax revenue or receive state education aid under Chapter 13-13. It also clarifies that nonpublic schools are not required to be accredited or have certified teachers. This definition applies to all nonpublic schools in South Dakota, establishing their legal boundaries for funding and operations.
Maddy summaryHB 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.
Maddy summarySB 92 clarifies the process for appealing or referring decisions made by county commissioners regarding land use or zoning changes. It directly affects county commissioners, residents, and petitioners who challenge or seek to refer such decisions. Key provisions require commissioners to publish adoption notices in a legal newspaper, with decisions taking effect 20 days later unless a referendum is triggered. The bill also specifies that rejection of requests follows separate procedures under existing law. This is a procedural clarification with no new policy changes.
Maddy summarySB 166 requires county commissioners and planning commissions in South Dakota to either hold meetings after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays or provide recordings of meetings to the public. Recordings must be made freely available on a publicly accessible platform within 24 hours of the meeting. The bill applies directly to county-level government bodies responsible for local planning and zoning decisions, ensuring greater public access to their proceedings. It amends existing statutes governing meeting schedules for these commissions.
Maddy summaryHB 1221 prohibits employees of South Dakota's Governor's Office of Economic Development from working for, or accepting compensation from, any entity that received financial assistance from the office during their employment. Specifically, former employees cannot work for 5 years with any recipient of grants, loans, or funds administered by the office, or with entities that received money from the "Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund." Violating this restriction is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill directly affects current and former employees of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the organizations that received state financial support through that office.
Maddy summaryThis South Dakota House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6009) urges Congress to repeal the federal estate tax. It directly affects farm and ranch families and generational family businesses, as their assets (like land and equipment) are often hard to sell quickly to pay the tax. The resolution highlights that the tax can force heirs to downsize or sell operations to cover payments, rather than allowing them to maintain family assets. The resolution is a formal request to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing tax policy.
Maddy summarySB 167 requires South Dakota school districts to administer annual academic assessments to all 11th-grade students. It adds new provisions allowing each 11th grader, in consultation with a guidance counselor, to select from a state-approved list of assessments that measure academic progress, align with state standards, and accommodate diverse post-graduation pathways. The South Dakota Board of Education must approve these assessments annually by May 1st and provide the approved list to schools. This replaces the previous requirement that all 11th graders take a single mandated test, giving students more choice within state-approved options.
Maddy summarySB 112 would recognize physical gold and silver coins (specie) as legal tender in South Dakota starting July 1, 2027. It allows private parties to use gold/silver for mutual debt payments and state/local governments to accept them for taxes/fees if they agree, though no one must accept them except by mutual agreement or through authorized electronic payment systems. The bill establishes definitions for "bullion depository" (secure storage for gold/silver) and "electronic payment system" (digital platforms backed by physical bullion), requiring the state treasurer to set rules for these systems. It directly affects residents, businesses, and government entities by adding gold/silver as an optional payment method under specific conditions. The state treasurer would designate storage facilities and authorize payment systems to enable transactions using physical gold/silver.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 807) is a symbolic legislative commemoration honoring custodial staff across South Dakota for their work. It formally recognizes their role in maintaining clean, safe environments in schools, healthcare facilities, businesses, and public spaces. The bill does not create new laws, policies, or funding - its sole purpose is to express official appreciation for their dedication. It directly affects all custodial staff in the state through this public acknowledgment, with no concrete policy changes or requirements.