Sen. Liz Larson

Maddy summaryHB 1119 modifies governance rules for farm mutual insurers in South Dakota by increasing the maximum number of board directors from 11 to 15 and clarifying eligibility requirements. The bill requires that directors must be members of the insurer or one of its affiliates (defined as entities controlling or controlled by the insurer). This directly affects the board composition of all South Dakota farm mutual insurers operating under these rules. The key change streamlines board size limits while ensuring directors have a direct connection to the insurer through membership or affiliation.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 revises application requirements for South Dakota's special license plates and parking permits for people with disabilities. It specifies that certification for these benefits must come from licensed physicians, physician assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, or certified nurse practitioners (all licensed under Title 36), stating the applicant has a "substantial physical disability" that makes walking impossible or causes substantial hardship. The bill clarifies that applications for both license plates and portable parking permits must be submitted through county treasurers, with no fee charged for the plates. It also includes penalties for fraud (Class 1 misdemeanor) or failure to surrender permits when no longer needed (Class 2 misdemeanor).

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that formally recognizes the achievements of the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team. It highlights their success in winning the Region 2 regional tournament for the second consecutive year and notes that thirteen team members qualified for the state tournament. The resolution specifically acknowledges two state championship wins by Brooke Warejcka and Finley Evjen, along with the contributions of the coaching staff. This type of bill serves as an official record of the team's accomplishments rather than creating new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 6015) requests the Legislative Research Council's Executive Board to form a committee to study expanding state involvement in the national instant criminal background check system. It specifically directs the committee to examine how to better identify individuals with mental health issues seeking firearms, while addressing due process rights, reporting standards, and training requirements for those handling background check information. The study will also evaluate county mental health boards' roles, existing commitment processes, and how they might interact with background check systems. The resolution does not create new law but asks for a report with findings and recommendations for future legislative action. (Note: The bill title incorrectly references "county boards of mental illness" instead of the actual focus on background checks and mental health in firearm contexts.)

Maddy summarySB 110 requires broadband internet providers in South Dakota to obtain explicit customer permission ("opt-in consent") before using, sharing, or selling most types of personal customer data, including location, health details, device identifiers, and financial information. It directly affects broadband service providers (like local internet companies) and their customers by mandating clear consent mechanisms that are easy to understand and use. Key provisions include prohibiting providers from charging higher prices or denying service based on a customer’s refusal to consent, and requiring that consent requests be conspicuous, non-misleading, and available at no extra cost. The law applies specifically to "broadband internet access service providers" as defined in the bill, covering data collected through the customer-provider relationship.

Maddy summarySB 93 prohibits state employees who approve, award, or administer state contracts from working for the organizations that received those contracts after leaving state service. For contracts under $1 million, this creates a one-year waiting period; for contracts over $1 million, it extends to two years. The bill allows exceptions if a governing body authorizes the arrangement through written disclosure and approval, ensuring the arrangement is fair and in the public interest. This applies to employees handling contracts within their official duties, excluding unpaid or per diem roles.

Maddy summaryHB 1073 requires every public and accredited nonpublic school in South Dakota to create a cardiac emergency response plan. The bill mandates schools to develop these plans with local emergency services, including forming response teams, placing accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and athletic venues, and training staff in CPR and AED use. Schools must conduct annual drills and maintain AEDs, with specific training requirements for coaches, athletic trainers, nurses, and response team members. This law directly affects all South Dakota schools and aims to improve emergency response for heart-related incidents during school activities.

Maddy summarySB 156 modifies South Dakota's animal cruelty law by adding a new classification for the most severe cases. It makes it a Class 4 felony to commit cruelty "in an especially depraved, heinous, sadistic, or wicked manner," elevating penalties for extreme acts. This directly affects individuals convicted of particularly brutal animal cruelty, moving such cases from lower-level offenses to felony charges. The bill specifically amends Section 40-1-2.4 of South Dakota law to establish this higher penalty tier.

Maddy summaryHB 1213 appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Education for a statewide educator retention initiative. The bill provides grants to public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to address retention challenges, using both quantitative and qualitative data to identify and resolve underlying issues. School districts must apply for funding, with grants covering program costs during fiscal years 2026-2029, and the Department may use up to 5% of the appropriation for administration. This initiative requires a comprehensive approach to support educators, with funds allocated based on approved applications and expiring June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 creates the South Dakota school construction fund, administered by the Department of Education, to provide zero-interest loans to school districts for building or expanding school facilities. Loans cover up to 40% of a project's cost, with repayment over 20 years at 0% interest and no collateral required. Funds are allocated 30% to districts with 4,000+ students and 70% to other districts, beginning with a $1 transfer from the general fund (replenished by loan repayments). The bill also establishes reporting requirements for the Department of Education to a legislative committee.