Rep. Tim Goodwin

Maddy summarySB 130 appropriates $8 million from South Dakota's general fund to the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority. The funds must cover public roadway and infrastructure improvements directly needed due to construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base, including road reconstruction, safety upgrades, and traffic studies. The authority must report annually on how funds were used and cannot spend more than 3% of the appropriation on administrative costs. This bill specifically affects infrastructure supporting Ellsworth Air Force Base operations and surrounding public roads.

Maddy summarySB 88 clarifies the process for entities seeking to examine private property for public projects (like utility lines) without the owner's permission. It requires such entities to provide 30 days' written notice detailing the property area, timing, and purpose, and pay for any damage caused - $500 upfront for common carrier projects. Property owners can challenge the examination in court within 30 days of receiving notice. The bill applies only to projects needing a siting permit (e.g., utilities), not state entities, and defines "examination" as a minimally invasive inspection causing minor soil disturbance.

Maddy summaryHB 1102 reschedules the annual report filing deadline for limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) in South Dakota. The bill changes the current requirement for reports to be filed by January 31st each year to a new date (the specific new date is not provided in the bill text). This procedural change directly affects all LLCs and LLPs operating in South Dakota that must file annual reports with the Secretary of State. The bill does not alter the content or substance of the reports, only the timing of the filing obligation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends South Dakota election law to require voters using optical scan ballots to mark their choices exclusively with a black ink ballpoint pen. It directly affects all voters in South Dakota who cast ballots through optical scan systems, replacing the previous allowance of pencils or other marking instruments. The key provision specifies that black ink pens are the only permitted tool for marking these ballots, eliminating alternatives like pencils. The change is procedural, focusing solely on ballot marking standards without altering voting procedures or outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 176 extends the required retention period for election materials from 60 days to 22 months for municipal, non-federal, and school district elections. It requires election officials to keep voted ballots, pollbooks, and related records for 22 months after the election, rather than allowing destruction after 60 days. Federal elections already had a 22-month retention period, so this bill standardizes the timeframe across most election types. The bill directly affects local election administrators responsible for managing physical election materials.

Maddy summarySB 98 requires operators of virtual currency kiosks in South Dakota to obtain a license under existing financial regulations (Chapter 51A-17). It mandates detailed reporting to the state, including transaction volumes, user complaints, refund requests, and suspicious activity. The bill also requires kiosk operators to provide users with receipts containing transaction details, exchange rates, virtual currency addresses, and refund policies. These provisions directly affect kiosk operators (licensees) and users engaging in virtual currency transactions at these locations. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in virtual currency kiosk operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 updates South Dakota's open records law by clarifying which government records can be kept private. It exempts specific categories, including student personal information (except directory details), medical records (excluding birth/death records), trade secrets, attorney work product, law enforcement investigation details, property appraisal records, and security plans for buildings or critical infrastructure. The bill explicitly states it does not change existing laws regarding birth/death records or certain law enforcement privileges. This affects public entities like schools, hospitals, police departments, and government agencies that handle these exempt records.

Maddy summaryHB 1107 modifies South Dakota law (§ 43-25-18.3) to give courts greater flexibility when land restrictions for public purposes (like religious, educational, or charitable uses) become impractical due to changed conditions. The bill allows courts to either adjust land use restrictions to better serve the original purpose or authorize selling the land and reinvesting the proceeds in new land that matches the original purpose. This directly affects landholders (grantees) who hold property subject to restrictions set by grantors for public purposes. The key change is enabling courts to adapt land management without requiring strict adherence to outdated conditions. The bill does not create new requirements but adjusts judicial authority under existing land-use laws.

Maddy summarySB 36 requires electric utilities and wholesale electricity generators in South Dakota to develop and submit wildfire mitigation plans to either the Public Utilities Commission or their local governing body (like a city council). These plans must include specific strategies for risk assessment, infrastructure inspections, vegetation management, and community outreach to reduce wildfire risks. Utilities must also submit annual compliance reports by April 1st each year, with filing fees of $500 for initial plans and $250 for reports. The bill establishes a standardized process for these plans and reports but does not specify liability protections beyond the plan requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 164 (SB 164) requires all current and new holders of commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency by January 1, 2026. This requirement aligns with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11) for commercial motor vehicle drivers and applies directly to individuals seeking or renewing CDLs. The bill amends state law to add English proficiency as a mandatory condition for CDL issuance, referencing existing federal qualifications. Violations may result in penalties, though specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text.