Rep. Jana Hunt

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expression of religious sentiment, based on the state's constitutional motto ("Under God, the People Rule") and historical references to faith in governance.

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 1115 revises South Dakota's law on unauthorized possession of controlled drugs by changing where such charges are filed. The bill amends Section 22-42-5 to state that unauthorized possession charges must now be prosecuted under § 22-42-5.1 instead of the current section. This directly affects individuals found in possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription or authorization. The bill maintains existing felony classifications: possession of Schedule I/II drugs remains a Class 5 felony, while Schedule III/IV possession remains a Class 6 felony. The change primarily modifies the legal citation for prosecution without altering the penalties or scope of the offense.

Maddy summarySB 123 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any food product containing cell-cultured protein within South Dakota. It directly affects food service businesses, restaurants, and mobile food vendors that sell such products. The bill defines "cell-cultured protein" as human food made from animal cells grown outside a live animal, and establishes a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty for violations. Authorities may inspect establishments, issue stop-sale orders, and suspend business licenses for noncompliance. The law aims to ban these products through direct sales restrictions and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis House Commemoration (HC 8003) honors Joyce Waddell for her retirement from the Bison School District after 56 years of service as a teacher, counselor, and librarian. It recognizes her total 61 years of dedication to South Dakota education, including teaching multiple generations of students and maintaining deep community connections throughout her career. The resolution is a ceremonial tribute introduced by multiple legislators, with no associated policy changes or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1087 prohibits the use of paid petition circulators for initiatives seeking to amend South Dakota's constitution or propose new laws. The bill requires that all petition circulators disclose whether they are volunteers or paid, and if paid, state the exact compensation amount. This disclosure requirement effectively bans paid circulators by making it impossible to circulate petitions without revealing payment details. The bill directly affects petition sponsors and circulators working on constitutional amendment or initiated measure petitions. It amends existing petition filing rules to enforce this prohibition.

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 summaryHB 1078 requires South Dakota's Board of Education to amend administrative rules by September 2026 to update high school graduation coursework requirements. The bill mandates specific credit counts: 4 units of language arts (including writing, speech, and American literature), 3 social studies units (U.S. history and government), 3 math units (including Algebra I), 3 science units (including biology), plus required courses in personal finance, fine arts, physical education, health, and electives. It allows substitutions for one science credit using approved advanced computer science or agriculture science courses (but not for biology), and permits up to one fine arts credit through extracurricular activities with documented alignment to state standards. This directly affects all South Dakota public high school students and school districts implementing graduation standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 establishes a one-time license fee for trailers weighing 3,000 pounds or less at initial registration, replacing annual fees for these vehicles. This affects owners of small trailers (under 3,000 lbs) by eliminating recurring registration costs. The fee is paid once when the trailer is first registered, and the registration remains valid for the trailer's useful life unless the trailer's weight exceeds 3,000 pounds or ownership transfers, requiring new registration. Trailers over 3,000 pounds or those with transferred titles remain subject to standard annual fee rules.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 61 bans the sale, distribution, and possession of hemp-derived products containing chemically modified or synthesized cannabinoids (like delta-8, delta-9, or delta-10 THC) intended for human or animal consumption, unless they are approved medical products. The bill specifically prohibits products where cannabinoids exceed 0.4 milligrams combined per container, are not naturally produced by hemp, or were created through chemical processes. It directly affects commercial sellers and consumers of non-medical hemp products (such as gummies, edibles, or vape cartridges) containing these synthetic or modified compounds. Medical cannabis products regulated under Chapter 34-20G are exempt from these restrictions.