Rep. Matt Roby

Maddy summarySB 4 revises South Dakota's rules for security deposits in rental housing, directly affecting landlords and tenants. It requires landlords to return full deposits within 21 days of lease end or provide a written explanation for withholding, limited to unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or costs to restore the property. Landlords must also give tenants an itemized accounting of withheld amounts within 45 days of request. Failure to comply results in forfeiting all rights to withhold the deposit and potential $200 punitive damages for bad-faith retention.

Maddy summaryHB 1142 requires parties or their lawyers in civil lawsuits to disclose in writing to the court and other parties any third party (including organizations or individuals) who could receive payment based on the case's outcome, along with any related agreements. This disclosure must happen within 10 days of signing such an agreement or at the time of filing the lawsuit, whichever comes later. The bill excludes standard loan repayments (with interest limits) and routine attorney fee agreements from this requirement. It aims to increase transparency in civil cases involving contingent payment arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 1231 clarifies documentation requirements for renters with disabilities who need assistance animals (including emotional support, service, or therapy animals) in rental housing. Landlords may only request documentation confirming the tenant’s disability and need for the animal, issued by a licensed health provider within the past year (unless the disability is obvious or permanent). The documentation must include the provider’s license details, be based on a personal assessment, and cannot be required if the disability or need is already apparent. This bill directly affects renters with disabilities and landlords, while exempting small owner-occupied buildings (4 units or fewer) and single-family homes sold without agents. Violating these rules by providing false documentation may lead to eviction or a $1,000 fee.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 12 allows qualifying veterans with certain disabilities (like loss of use of both lower extremities) or their unremarried surviving spouses to request refunds for property taxes paid in the previous four years if they missed the application deadline for an existing property tax exemption. The bill amends tax exemption rules to permit petitions to county commissioners for these refunds, which the commissioners may approve or deny at their discretion. It directly affects veterans and surviving spouses who previously paid taxes they might have qualified to avoid. The refund mechanism applies only to taxes paid in the four years prior to the petition, not future exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 2 amends South Dakota law to clarify that firearm silencers (devices reducing gunshot noise) are not classified as "controlled weapons." This change removes silencers from the category of weapons subject to strict state regulations, such as special permits or licensing requirements. The bill directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and sellers of silencers in South Dakota by eliminating these regulatory barriers. The key mechanism is an amendment to the definitions section of the state's criminal code (§ 22-1-2), specifically excluding silencers from the definition of "controlled weapon."

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to expunge all records related to dismissed protection order cases, directly affecting individuals whose petitions were rejected (either initially or after a hearing). If a court dismisses a petition under South Dakota law (specifically § 22-19A-8 for domestic violence orders or § 25-10-3 for civil orders), it may order the removal of all case records from court files and the Department of Social Services. The expungement process follows existing definitions in § 23A-3-26, ensuring records are permanently cleared without requiring additional court action beyond the dismissal.

Maddy summaryHB 1296 requires courts to mandate GPS monitoring for defendants charged with domestic abuse offenses (as defined under South Dakota law) as a condition of release. The bill specifies that defendants must wear a 24/7 GPS device that tracks location in real-time and alerts law enforcement if they enter restricted zones, with defendants covering all device costs. Victims of domestic abuse can choose to receive free notification tools (via app or device) that alert them if the defendant approaches restricted areas or their location, but only after consenting and receiving clear information about the system. The law also mandates courts to consult victims about restricted zones and provide detailed explanations of the monitoring process, including risks, victim support services, and emergency contacts.

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 1157 creates a 12-member task force to study ecological damage and costs from aquatic invasive species in South Dakota. The task force includes representatives from state agencies (Game, Fish and Parks; Agriculture; Tourism), tribal organizations, water development districts, recreation industries, and environmental groups. It must submit a report by November 2026 detailing prevention strategies, cost estimates, and funding recommendations for addressing invasive species. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for task force expenses and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.

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.