Photo of John Sjaarda
R South Dakota House · District 2

Rep. John Sjaarda

Compare
Total votes
1,451
all sessions
Attendance
100%
6 missed
Near the chamber average
With party
80%
of cast votes
Lower than 82% of chamber peers
Bipartisan score
12%
some cross-party votes
Higher than 80% of chamber peers
Sponsored
224
bills & resolutions
Higher than 80% of chamber peers
Committees
2
assignments
224 bills and resolutions

Sponsored bills

Total
224
Primary
224
Co-sponsor
0
This page
224
matching current filters
Primary HB 1181
died · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
prohibit weather and climate modification activities and provide a penalty therefor.

Maddy summaryHB 1181 prohibits the injection, release, or dispersal of specific chemicals (including aluminum barium, strontium, sulfur dioxide, and other substances known to cause health issues) into the atmosphere for weather or climate modification. It directly affects individuals and businesses engaging in such activities, imposing a minimum $100,000 civil penalty plus $10,000 per day for ongoing violations. The bill creates a monitoring fund to cover enforcement costs (funded by fines), requires airports to report on aircraft equipped for such dispersal, and establishes an online public reporting system for suspected violations. Key mechanisms include mandatory airport reporting, public submission of details (e.g., chemicals used), and departmental rules for investigations and compliance.

died Feb 2, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary HB 1079
Passed · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
revise the conditions for denial or restriction of a motor vehicle or motorcycle operator license or permit if an individual has a medical condition that can be controlled under the care of a physician.

Maddy summaryHB 1079 revises South Dakota's rules for issuing driver's licenses to people with medical conditions that could affect driving safety. It allows the Department of Public Safety to issue a temporary license to applicants with a physician-diagnosed, medication-controlled condition (like epilepsy or heart issues), provided they confirm ongoing medication use and physician care. This temporary license requires six-month reviews and replaces the previous requirement of a 12-month seizure-free period for those with controlled conditions. The bill directly affects drivers managing treatable health issues that could impair safe operation of a vehicle.

Passed Jan 29, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary HJR 5002
Failed · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, repealing the requirement to provide expanded medicaid.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove South Dakota's legal requirement to provide expanded Medicaid coverage. It specifically targets Section 10 of Article XXI, which currently mandates that the state provide Medicaid benefits to adults aged 18-65 with incomes at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. If approved by voters, the amendment would eliminate this constitutional obligation, allowing the state to potentially modify or discontinue the expanded eligibility rules. The change directly affects low-income South Dakota adults who currently qualify under the existing Medicaid expansion.

Failed Jan 29, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary SCR 602
Passed · South Dakota Senate · Lead sponsor
celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SCR 602) celebrates South Dakota's 42-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1984. It highlights specific trade ties, including a 2025 agricultural mission visit and a wheat purchase agreement between South Dakota and Taiwan. The resolution expresses support for strengthening trade relations, academic exchanges, the U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the partnership.

Passed Jan 29, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary SCR 604
Passed · South Dakota Senate · Lead sponsor
urging the people of the state of South Dakota to seek the Lord Most High for His healing presence and mercy upon South Dakota.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic concurrent resolution (not a bill with enforceable provisions), introduced by Senator Voita. It urges South Dakotans to observe July as a time of prayer and fasting to seek divine healing and mercy for the state, referencing Judeo-Christian values and historical religious appeals. The resolution does not create new laws, alter policies, or impose requirements on citizens or government. It is purely a ceremonial expression of religious sentiment, based on the state's constitutional motto ("Under God, the People Rule") and historical references to faith in governance.

Passed Jan 29, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary HB 1057
died · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any product containing cell-cultured protein, and to provide a penalty therefor.

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.

died Jan 28, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary SB 95
died · South Dakota Senate · Lead sponsor
require that a medical cannabis cardholder provide a card or card number upon request of a law enforcement officer.

Maddy summarySB 95 requires medical cannabis cardholders (both residents and nonresidents) to show their registry card or card number to law enforcement upon request. This provision applies if an officer asks for identification during a lawful interaction. The bill does not change existing protections for medical cannabis use but adds this identification requirement as a condition to avoid arrest under Chapter 23A-3. It directly affects individuals with valid medical cannabis cards who interact with police. The law amends existing statutes (§ 34-20G-2 and § 34-20G-3) to include this requirement.

died Jan 28, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary HCR 6004
Passed · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
encouraging the use of physical cash in transactions.

Maddy summaryHCR 6004 is a non-binding House Concurrent Resolution encouraging South Dakotans to use physical cash for transactions. It urges citizens to pay with cash when possible and support businesses offering cash discounts, while also encouraging businesses to provide such discounts. The resolution cites reasons including preventing purchase tracking, reducing transaction fees for businesses, keeping money circulating locally, enabling unbanked residents to participate in the economy, and improving disaster resilience. It does not create new laws or requirements but serves as a symbolic expression of support for cash-based transactions.

Passed Jan 28, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary HC 8002
Introduced · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
celebrating the Harrisburg Tigers as the 2025 Class AA state gymnastics champions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring the Harrisburg Tigers girls' gymnastics team for winning the 2025 Class AA state championship. It recognizes their historic first-place finish, a team score record of 152.983, and individual victories by Katelyn Maeschen, Emery Myron, and Isabelle Reiners. The resolution, introduced by multiple legislators, formally celebrates the team's achievements and their coaches' recognition as Coach of the Year. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations.

Introduced Jan 27, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Primary HB 1081
Passed · South Dakota House · Lead sponsor
exempt certain individuals from, and require specific notice for, jury duty.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 exempts certain healthcare providers, public safety workers, and caregivers from jury duty under specific conditions. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant patients or those with serious medical conditions can request exemption if their absence would cause patient hardship, such as uncontrolled pain or worsened health. Public safety workers (like police and EMTs) and individuals solely responsible for daily care of a permanently disabled household member may also be exempt if their absence risks public safety or the disabled person’s health. The bill also requires courts to notify jurors 14 days in advance of their required service date.

Passed Jan 26, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Showing 51 to 60 of 224 bills
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