Rep. Eric Emery

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring seven South Dakota school administrators for their service. It commends Dr. Jeff Danielsen (Watertown Superintendent), Bo Beck (Aberdeen Middle School Principal), Connie Alspach (Dupree School Business Official), Jay Swatek (Tea Elementary Principal), Kelly Messmer (Harding County Secondary Principal), Sherri Nelson (Brandon Valley Curriculum Leader), and Monica Waltman (Douglas Director of Special Education). The resolution recognizes their combined 197 years of service and dedication to education. It does not create new laws or policies - it solely provides formal recognition through a legislative commendation.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 requires South Dakota state agencies to improve communication with tribal governments through three key mechanisms: (1) annual training for state employees on tribal legal status, rights, and cultural issues; (2) yearly meetings between state officials (including the Governor) and tribal leaders to discuss policy impacts and concerns; and (3) annual reports from agencies detailing tribal engagement activities, policy changes made due to tribal input, and efforts to incorporate tribal consultation. The bill directly affects all South Dakota state agencies and tribal governments by mandating structured, documented interactions. It creates concrete reporting requirements for agencies to track and share their tribal-related work with both the Governor and tribal governments annually. This law focuses on building government-to-government relationships through regular dialogue and transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1120 revises South Dakota's DUI laws by lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers to 0.04% (from a higher threshold), maintaining 0.08% as the standard for non-commercial drivers, and setting a 0.02% limit for drivers under 21. It clarifies that 0.08% or higher blood alcohol content presumes impairment and expands prohibitions to include driving under the influence of marijuana or non-prescribed drugs. These changes directly affect commercial drivers, all motorists operating vehicles, and underage drivers. The bill applies to operating vehicles, boats, or aircraft while impaired, with penalties including license suspensions for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 1191 exempts firearm sales from South Dakota's sales tax on or after December 1st each year. The bill directly affects firearm buyers and sellers within South Dakota, applying to all firearms defined under state law (§ 22-1-2). Key provision: it adds a new tax exemption to Chapter 10-45, removing the sales tax obligation for qualifying firearm transactions during this annual period. This is a straightforward tax policy change with no additional requirements or administrative mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1093 creates a new "small-batch winery" license in South Dakota for producers making limited quantities of wine. It sets specific requirements: producers must use at least 50% locally grown agricultural materials, limit annual production to 3,750 gallons, and pay a $500 license fee. The bill allows these wineries to sell directly on-site and to other licensed producers (like distillers or breweries) for use in manufacturing, while requiring verification of local ingredient sourcing. This license is distinct from existing "farm winery" licenses, which have higher production limits (150,000 gallons annually). The bill directly affects small-scale winery operators seeking to produce and sell wine under these defined parameters.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 requires South Dakota health insurers to cover nonopioid prescription drugs for pain treatment when prescribed by a doctor, without denying coverage in favor of opioids. Insurers cannot impose stricter approval steps (like prior authorization) or higher cost-sharing tiers for nonopioid drugs compared to opioids or narcotics. This directly affects patients seeking pain management and insurers operating in South Dakota, ensuring equal coverage treatment for nonopioid options when clinically appropriate. The law applies to all health insurance policies sold or renewed in the state.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 802) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 77th anniversary of Tabor Czech Days, an annual cultural festival in Tabor, South Dakota, scheduled for June 18-20, 2026. It formally honors the event and the Czech immigrant heritage it celebrates, highlighting traditions like music, food, museums, and community activities. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official state recognition through the legislature. It directly acknowledges the festival’s cultural significance to South Dakota’s Czech community and its annual events.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires South Dakota's Department of Education to apply to the U.S. Department of Education for authority to create a new assessment system. If approved, the state must develop and implement an assessment model that meets specific federal requirements, including measuring student growth in reading and math, aligning with existing academic standards, using science-based literacy practices, and reinforcing foundational math skills. The bill directly affects South Dakota public schools and the Department of Education, mandating consultation with educators and parents during development. This change would replace current state assessment practices with a federally approved system starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1166 requires members of specific South Dakota state authorities, boards, and commissions to annually disclose financial interests by January 31. This includes sources of family income over $2,000, business ownership stakes exceeding 10%, officer roles, state contracts, and real estate generating over $10,000 annually. Failure to file or provide false information results in voting suspension, potential removal by the Governor, or a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. The Secretary of State transmits disclosures to an audit committee for annual review and reporting.