Rep. Aaron Aylward

Maddy summaryHB 1129 allows certain school district employees to carry concealed firearms on school grounds under specific conditions. It amends South Dakota law to create an exception for employees who are 21 or older, hold an enhanced concealed carry permit (per Chapter 23-7), and have written permission from the school principal. These employees must also notify the local law enforcement agency about their intent to carry, with notifications valid until June 30 annually. The bill explicitly states school districts are not liable for damages resulting from such employees using firearms. This policy change directly affects eligible school staff members seeking to carry concealed weapons within school buildings, grounds, or vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 removes the requirement for an "enhanced permit" to carry a concealed pistol on campuses of South Dakota's public colleges and universities. Currently, the law (in sections 13-39A-43 and 13-53-56) mandates that only individuals with an enhanced, restricted enhanced, or reciprocal permit may carry concealed weapons on these campuses. This bill would allow anyone with a standard concealed carry permit (or equivalent) to carry on campus without needing the enhanced permit. It directly affects students, faculty, and visitors carrying concealed weapons at public higher education institutions across South Dakota.

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 summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove South Dakota's legal requirement to provide expanded Medicaid coverage. It specifically targets Section 10 of Article XXI, which currently mandates that the state provide Medicaid benefits to adults aged 18-65 with incomes at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. If approved by voters, the amendment would eliminate this constitutional obligation, allowing the state to potentially modify or discontinue the expanded eligibility rules. The change directly affects low-income South Dakota adults who currently qualify under the existing Medicaid expansion.

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 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 1132 prohibits South Dakota state and local government employees from using public resources (personnel, equipment, or funds) to assist in enforcing federal firearm laws that are stricter than South Dakota's current laws. It specifically targets federal measures related to firearm registries, licensing requirements, background checks, or confiscation of firearms from law-abiding residents. The bill defines "material aid" broadly to include sharing information, using facilities, or participating in joint operations that support federal enforcement of these stricter laws. Exceptions allow cooperation on non-firearm crimes, state law enforcement with federal officers present (without aiding federal enforcement), compliance with court orders, and actions against individuals already prohibited from owning firearms under state law. This bill takes effect for federal laws taking effect on or after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 99 eliminates property taxes on owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota by reducing the maximum tax levy to $0 per thousand valuation, while increasing gross receipts tax rates for retailers from 4.2% to 6.2%. The bill also expands the 4.2% gross receipts tax to cover additional services like accountants, beauty shops, and laundry services (previously taxed at 4.2% under § 10-45-5). These changes directly affect homeowners (specifically single-family residents) and businesses in the listed service sectors. The policy shifts local tax burden from property to retail sales, with the revenue funding a new "property tax local effort replacement fund" to offset the reduced property tax revenue for school districts.

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.