Rep. Tim Reisch

Maddy summaryHB 1056 requires South Dakota's Department of Social Services to submit a federal waiver request by September 1, 2026, to exclude soft drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill defines "soft drink" as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages (excluding milk, milk substitutes, and approved juices) and mandates annual waiver requests if initially denied. If approved, the restriction would take effect within six months, directly affecting SNAP participants who currently purchase soft drinks with benefits. This policy change would alter eligibility under federal SNAP rules for South Dakota recipients.

Maddy summaryHB 1130 amends South Dakota school districts' capital outlay fund rules to allow new uses. It specifically permits districts to spend these funds on textbooks (§ 13-16-6(5)(b)), instructional software purchases or renewals (§ 13-16-6(6)), and warranties for capital assets (excluding supplies, § 13-16-6(5)(a)). The bill also clarifies that districts may use up to 15% of transportation contracts or mileage reimbursement costs from this fund. Additionally, it allows transferring up to 45% of annual capital fund revenues to the general fund, while maintaining that small purchases ($1,000 or less) must come from the general fund instead. This directly affects South Dakota public school districts managing their capital budgets.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that recognizes Solventum's $220 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Brookings, South Dakota. The resolution formally acknowledges the company's investment, which includes adding a 274,000-square-foot building with sixteen new loading docks to enhance distribution capabilities. It celebrates the project as a demonstration of confidence in South Dakota's business environment and marks the planned April 2, 2026, opening of the expanded facility. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves to honor the economic contribution of the company to the local community.

Maddy summarySB 116 appropriates $13.33 million for the design and construction of an indoor athletic facility at Dakota State University's Beacom PREMIER Complex in Madison. It directly affects Dakota State University's athletic programs and campus infrastructure. The bill authorizes the Board of Regents to use the funds for the project, including related services like utilities and landscaping, and allows adjustments for inflation (capped at 125% of the original estimate). It also permits accepting additional funds from federal sources or donations into a dedicated project fund, while declaring an emergency to expedite the funding. The facility will support athletic practice and competition, with no state liability for related expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces property taxes for homeowners by lowering the mill levy rate on owner-occupied single-family homes from $5.21 to $20.51 per $1,000 of taxable value (with the exact figure clarified in the bill text). It simultaneously raises the state sales tax from 4.2% to 4.7% for 2026-2027 and to 5% after 2027, and expands the gross receipts tax to cover more services like dry cleaning, beauty shops, and rentals. The revenue from these tax increases is explicitly allocated to replace lost school district property tax revenue and fund pay raises for state and school employees. The bill ensures school districts maintain their total funding levels under the new system.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 allows veteran business owners to display military specialty plates on noncommercial vehicles (like personal cars or vans) registered to their business, provided the veteran is listed as an additional owner on the vehicle's title. It also limits the veteran's personal liability for damages from accidents involving these business vehicles. The bill requires the veteran to meet standard military plate eligibility and vehicle registration rules, with a $10 additional fee for the specialty plates. This directly affects veteran business owners who operate noncommercial vehicles under their business registration.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 would repeal South Dakota's death penalty by removing it as a sentencing option for Class A felonies, including first-degree murder. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of capital offenses, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment as the maximum sentence. Key provisions amend sections of the criminal code (specifically §§ 22-6-1, 22-16-12, and others) to eliminate the death penalty from Class A felony sentencing and adjust felony classifications accordingly. This change would apply to all future cases, meaning convicted individuals would no longer face execution as a possible penalty for the most serious crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 1060 removes a requirement that county commissioners must add a mandatory 5% buffer to tax levy calculations when creating annual budgets. This change affects South Dakota county governments by simplifying their budget process - county boards will no longer need to calculate a 5% excess over projected revenue needs. The bill specifically repeals Section 7-21-18 and amends Sections 7-21-19 and 10-12-8 to eliminate the 5% addition step from the tax levy formula. County commissioners will now calculate tax levies based solely on the difference between budgeted expenses and expected revenue, without the fixed 5% adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 requires online betting platforms offering pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog races to obtain a specific license from South Dakota. It clarifies that both in-state operators (with a physical presence) and out-of-state operators must pay a tax of 1.5% on South Dakota contributions, while multi-jurisdictional hubs pay 0.25% (with portions going to racing and breeding funds). The bill specifies that tax revenue will fund the state, a special racing revolving fund, and a South Dakota-bred racing fund. This applies only to online wagering for authorized horse and dog races, updating existing tax and licensing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 revises restrictions on where sex offenders can live near community safety zones (areas near schools, parks, or shelters). It adds two new exceptions allowing offenders to reside there: if they established their home before July 1, 2024, or if the school/park was built after they moved in. The bill expands existing exceptions for offenders in prison, halfway houses, homeless shelters, or healthcare facilities. Violations remain felonies, with repeat offenses carrying harsher penalties. The bill also declares an emergency to take immediate effect.