Sen. Kevin Jensen

Maddy summaryThis commemorative resolution (HC 8001) formally recognizes National FFA Week in South Dakota for February 21-28, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture by the South Dakota Legislature to honor the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. The resolution cites FFA's role in agricultural education, youth development, and community service across the state. As a non-binding commemoration, it has no legal or financial impact on the state or its residents.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 80 prohibits the sale or distribution of delta-9 THC products (including related compounds like delta-8 and THC-O) to anyone under 21 years old. It directly affects retailers selling these products and minors attempting to purchase them. The law makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to sell such products to underage individuals, with limited exceptions for parents or guardians purchasing on behalf of their children. The bill also bans underage possession, consumption, or purchasing on behalf of minors for these specific THC products.

Maddy summaryHB 1009 clarifies the existing law allowing golf cart operation on certain highways by correcting a wording error in the speed limit description. It revises Section 32-14-15.1 to specify that golf carts may operate on state or county highways with posted speed limits of "twenty-five to thirty-five miles per hour" (previously written as "twenty-five thirty-five"). This change directly affects golf cart operators using highways with those speed limits, ensuring the law is clear and enforceable. The bill does not alter the actual speed limit or expand where golf carts may operate.

Maddy summarySB 13 clarifies that the 72-hour notice requirement for posting public meeting agendas does not include weekends or legal holidays. It directly affects state boards, commissions, and departments that must post meeting agendas online and at their offices. The bill specifies that the 72-hour countdown starts after the notice is posted, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This change makes the timing rule clearer for government entities without altering the core requirement to post agendas 72 hours before meetings.

Maddy summarySB 1 authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to purchase and exchange specific properties, including funding for these transactions. It also declares an emergency to expedite the process. This bill directly affects the DOC and the properties involved in the transactions, with no broader policy changes beyond property management. The bill was enacted after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain rape offenses from receiving a suspended imposition of sentence in South Dakota. The measure directly affects defendants charged with specific sexual assault crimes by removing a sentencing option that would allow them to avoid jail time. Under the new provisions, judges would no longer be able to suspend the imposition of sentence for these offenses, requiring immediate sentencing instead. This change applies to both new and pending cases involving the specified rape charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1066 modifies South Dakota's voter registration residency requirements, directly affecting individuals seeking to register to vote in the state. The bill adjusts the time period that applicants must reside in the state before they can register, though the specific duration is not detailed in the provided text. This change aims to update the rules governing who is eligible to participate in the voter registration process. The legislation focuses on procedural adjustments to state election laws without altering the fundamental right to vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1083 modifies the requirements for obtaining an agricultural processor's lien in South Dakota. The bill directly affects agricultural processors and farmers by changing the rules for when and how liens can be placed on farm products. Key provisions likely adjust the conditions under which a processor can secure payment through a lien on crops or livestock. This change aims to clarify or update the legal process for agricultural debt collection without altering the fundamental purpose of the lien system.

Maddy summarySB 68 would require individuals to be U.S. citizens before they are eligible to vote in South Dakota elections. The bill establishes a penalty for voting without meeting this citizenship requirement. It directly affects all voters in the state by adding a citizenship verification condition to the existing voting qualifications. This legislation does not change other voting rules but specifically adds citizenship as a mandatory eligibility criterion.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the South Dakota Housing Infrastructure Fund to provide a loan to a school district located next to a federal military installation. The funds can be used to construct or expand a school building to meet educational needs. The provision applies specifically to school districts that are geographically adjacent to federal military facilities. This measure does not require new funding but instead allows existing infrastructure funds to be used for this specific purpose.