Sen. Lauren Nelson

Maddy summarySB 135 requires data center operators to pay all electricity costs associated with their facilities, preventing utilities from raising residential rates to cover these expenses (Section 3). It also prohibits tax exemptions for data centers (Section 5) and ensures local governments retain authority to regulate data center development (Section 4). The bill mandates data centers to report projected water usage to local providers and the Board of Water Management before operation, with annual reports on actual consumption (Sections 6-7), ensuring water allocation prioritizes residential and essential services. This directly affects data center operators, utilities, and South Dakota residents by limiting cost-shifting and protecting local resource management.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to provide grants for volunteer fire departments in South Dakota to purchase safety gear (like helmets and suits) for their firefighters. It specifically targets departments where at least 70% of firefighters volunteer, prioritizing those with the greatest equipment needs. The Department of Public Safety will distribute funds based on application timing and need, with unspent funds reverting by June 2030. An emergency declaration allows the funding to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 142 amends South Dakota's campaign finance disclosure rules, affecting political committees (including candidates, parties, and committees) that must file financial reports. It standardizes filing deadlines: most entities must submit pre-primary, pre-general, and year-end reports in even-numbered years, with year-end reports annually in odd years. The bill adds requirements for termination reports if a party loses qualified status or a committee ceases activity, and specifies Class 2 misdemeanor penalties for violations. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 3 limits local governments in South Dakota from requiring building permits for specific minor residential repairs and renovations on owner-occupied homes. It prohibits counties, municipalities, and townships from mandating permits for exterior repairs like replacing doors, windows, siding, gutters, or roof shingles, as well as interior work that doesn’t affect structural elements like foundations, load-bearing walls, or major utility systems. The bill directly affects homeowners performing these routine maintenance tasks without needing local permit approval. This is a procedural change focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles for small-scale home improvements.

Maddy summarySB 88 clarifies the process for entities seeking to examine private property for public projects (like utility lines) without the owner's permission. It requires such entities to provide 30 days' written notice detailing the property area, timing, and purpose, and pay for any damage caused - $500 upfront for common carrier projects. Property owners can challenge the examination in court within 30 days of receiving notice. The bill applies only to projects needing a siting permit (e.g., utilities), not state entities, and defines "examination" as a minimally invasive inspection causing minor soil disturbance.

Maddy summaryHB 1209 requires South Dakota employers to verify new employees' work eligibility using the federal DHS e-Verify program within the hiring process and maintain records throughout employment. Employers who fail to comply lose eligibility for state economic incentives (like grants or loans) and must repay any such funds received within 30 days of a final noncompliance determination. Additionally, the bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for individuals to knowingly provide false information to evade e-Verify checks. The law directly affects all South Dakota employers receiving state economic incentives and their employees.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 164 (SB 164) requires all current and new holders of commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency by January 1, 2026. This requirement aligns with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11) for commercial motor vehicle drivers and applies directly to individuals seeking or renewing CDLs. The bill amends state law to add English proficiency as a mandatory condition for CDL issuance, referencing existing federal qualifications. Violations may result in penalties, though specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 1323 amends South Dakota law to require that petitions referring county or municipal ordinances/resolutions to voters be filed within **45 days** of the ordinance's adoption, instead of the previous timeframe. This affects **voters** in counties or municipalities who wish to challenge local government decisions through a referendum. The bill specifies that petitions must be signed by **at least 5% of registered voters** (based on the last general election's total), and it updates related sections (like §7-18A-15) to reflect this 45-day deadline. The change streamlines the process but does not alter which ordinances/resolutions can be referred (e.g., those affecting public safety remain excluded).

Maddy summaryHB 1253 adjusts how property taxes are calculated for owner-occupied single-family homes and nonagricultural land by using a special averaging method. It requires county assessors to set each property's taxable value based on the "Olympic average" (removing the highest and lowest values) of its fair market value over the past eight years, or since a recent change in use or addition. This aims to stabilize tax bills by smoothing out annual value fluctuations. The bill specifically prevents this adjustment from increasing taxes on agricultural properties. It directly affects homeowners and nonagricultural property owners in South Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 153 prohibits employment contracts from restricting community services providers (who work with individuals with developmental disabilities) from continuing to provide services after their employment ends. It makes contract clauses that block such continued service voidable, effective July 1, 2026. The law allows exceptions for provisions related to selling a practice or reasonable non-solicitation terms that comply with existing rules. This directly affects community services providers in South Dakota, ensuring they can maintain client relationships post-employment without undue contractual barriers.