Rep. Eric Emery

Maddy summaryHB 1058 requires online betting platforms offering pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog races to obtain a specific license from South Dakota. It clarifies that both in-state operators (with a physical presence) and out-of-state operators must pay a tax of 1.5% on South Dakota contributions, while multi-jurisdictional hubs pay 0.25% (with portions going to racing and breeding funds). The bill specifies that tax revenue will fund the state, a special racing revolving fund, and a South Dakota-bred racing fund. This applies only to online wagering for authorized horse and dog races, updating existing tax and licensing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1223 revises South Dakota's occupational therapy regulations by clarifying the scope of practice for therapists. The bill specifically limits the use of physical agent modalities (like heat, cold, or electrical treatments) to the upper extremities and requires therapists to be certified for these techniques. It updates definitions in the law to ensure occupational therapists, assistants, and aides operate within clearly defined boundaries, directly affecting licensed occupational therapy professionals in the state. This is a technical clarification, not a policy expansion.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 1117 modifies the reporting requirements for the Governor's Office of Economic Development regarding certain awards and grants from South Dakota's "Employer's Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund." The bill changes the frequency of the report from "biannual" to "twice each year," requiring the office to submit the same detailed report to specified legislative committees twice yearly instead of less frequently. The report must include recipient names, locations, funding purposes, economic impact measures, job creation numbers, fund balances, and status updates for awards/grants made over the past 20 years. This change affects the Governor's Office of Economic Development by altering how often it must provide these transparency reports to legislative committees. The bill does not alter the content or scope of the required information.

Maddy summaryHB 1097 appropriates $2 million from South Dakota's general fund to the Department of Corrections for a grant to a nonprofit delivering juvenile diversion programming in Sioux Falls. The nonprofit must provide an annual week-long summer camp for sixth graders identified by school resource officers (starting in 2026 for 10 years), along with three follow-up events per year involving participants, families, and law enforcement. The grant requires the nonprofit to report annual outcome measures to a special committee and includes a requirement for police and sheriff's office participation in all program activities. The funds are disbursed yearly starting in 2026, with unspent amounts reverting by June 2036.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 148) ends state funding for bounties paid to control wildlife that preys on bird nests. Specifically, it amends two laws (§ 40-36-9 and § 41-2-35) to prohibit using state funds from the Game, Fish and Parks department or animal damage control fund for bounties on animals like badgers, raccoons, skunks, or foxes when the purpose is nest predation control. The change directly affects how the Department of Game, Fish and Parks allocates its budget, stopping a specific funding mechanism for wildlife management. It does not alter wildlife management practices or create new programs - only removes authorization for this type of bounty payment.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6012) is a symbolic gesture honoring the YMCA's 175th anniversary of service across the United States and in South Dakota. It recognizes the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding basketball, providing childcare, and serving over 17 million people annually through programs for youth, families, and communities. The resolution specifically acknowledges South Dakota's YMCA chapters, which serve nearly the entire state with 1,274 staff and 1,000 volunteers. The bill does not create new laws or alter policies; it solely expresses legislative appreciation for the YMCA's community impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1031 revises South Dakota's rape offense definitions and increases penalties, primarily affecting victims under 13 and perpetrators convicted of sexual crimes against minors. It adds new circumstances to rape definitions (e.g., victim incapacity due to intoxication) and establishes a 15-year minimum sentence for first offenses involving victims under 13. The bill also removes the statute of limitations for rape cases involving victims under 13 or using force/coercion, allowing charges to be filed until the victim turns 25. These changes directly impact criminal sentencing for sexual offenses and extend legal accountability for certain victims.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 amends South Dakota law to clarify exemptions for certain sex offenders regarding loitering in community safety zones. It specifically adds that the prohibition does not apply if the offender was under 18 at the time of the offense and was not tried or convicted as an adult, or if a court has granted an exemption under § 22-24B-28. The bill directly affects registered sex offenders who meet these specific juvenile offense criteria. The amendment does not change the felony penalties (Class 6 for first offense, Class 5 for repeat offenses) or the core prohibition against loitering in safety zones or public libraries. This is a technical revision to the existing statute (§ 22-24B-24) with no new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 updates South Dakota's list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It adds "religious healing practitioner" and "safety-sensitive position" (as defined in another law) to the existing list, which already includes doctors, teachers, social workers, and clergy. The bill also clarifies that confidentiality protections (like those for medical or therapy records) cannot be used to avoid legal consequences when reporting abuse under these statutes. This directly affects the new categories of professionals and religious practitioners who must now report suspected cases, while removing legal barriers to using such reports in court.