Sen. Lauren Nelson

Maddy summarySB 143 requires South Dakota's Department of Health to submit an annual report to the legislature by March 1 each year, focusing on public health impacts of cannabis use. The report must include specific data like medical cannabis program expenses/revenues, cannabis-related poisonings, drug-related deaths with cannabis metabolites detected, hospitalizations, licensing violations, and patient demographics. It directly affects the Department of Health (as the reporting entity) and the legislature (as the recipient of the data). The bill mandates concrete data collection on public health outcomes without changing cannabis laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 85 requires South Dakota school districts to hold a voter election before implementing or increasing an "excess tax levy" (property tax increases beyond the base amount). This applies to both general fund and capital outlay tax levies, meaning school boards can no longer unilaterally approve such increases - they must now seek voter approval through a formal election. The bill mandates specific public notice requirements (e.g., newspaper ads or mailed notices) and allows voters to petition for an election if 5% of registered voters sign a petition. The election must be held by October 1st of the year prior to tax payment, ensuring taxpayers have a direct say in local property tax changes.

Maddy summarySB 173 would amend South Dakota law to extend the fee exemption for motor vehicle and motorcycle license plates currently available to veterans with disabilities to include their spouses. Under the current law (§ 32-5-157.1), disabled veterans may obtain special plates without paying standard fees if they meet specific disability criteria. This bill would add "the spouse of a veteran with a disability" to the eligibility list for the same fee exemption. The change directly affects spouses of veterans who have a disability, allowing them to qualify for the same license plate fee benefit as the veterans themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 1125 establishes a 15-member taskforce to study how artificial intelligence systems affect South Dakota, directly involving state government, industries (healthcare, banking, retail, manufacturing, tech), education (teachers/administrators), local governments (county auditors, municipalities), and the judiciary. The taskforce, appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, the Supreme Court chief justice, and the Board of Regents, must report findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the Legislative Research Council by December 1, 2028. The bill does not enact new laws but mandates a study of AI's impacts, dissolving the taskforce after its report. This procedural bill focuses on gathering data to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal legislative resolution honoring the Yankton School District for its 150th anniversary. It recognizes the district as South Dakota's longest-accredited public school system and highlights its academic performance, recent early childhood learning center, and teacher training partnership. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it solely serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the South Dakota Legislature. It directly affects the Yankton School District by formally celebrating its historical and educational contributions. The bill does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws.

Maddy summarySB 108 requires South Dakota's Legislative Research Council to post all recorded votes made by each legislator on the Council's website. This includes votes on bills and resolutions in both chambers and committees during each legislative session, along with records of absences or excusals. The voting records must be prominently displayed as a tab on each legislator's online profile page for public access. The bill applies to all legislators starting after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 103 states that individuals present at shooting ranges assume all inherent risks that are obvious, including injuries from noise, discharges, equipment malfunctions (not owned by the range), terrain variations, weather conditions, or natural obstacles like rocks or debris. It directly affects anyone visiting public or private shooting ranges, including those operated by law enforcement. The bill defines "shooting range" broadly to cover all facilities using firearms or archery for activities like skeet or trap shooting. This legal assumption of risk limits liability for range operators regarding these specific, inherent dangers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 802) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 77th anniversary of Tabor Czech Days, an annual cultural festival in Tabor, South Dakota, scheduled for June 18-20, 2026. It formally honors the event and the Czech immigrant heritage it celebrates, highlighting traditions like music, food, museums, and community activities. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official state recognition through the legislature. It directly acknowledges the festival’s cultural significance to South Dakota’s Czech community and its annual events.

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.

Maddy summarySB 95 requires medical cannabis cardholders (both residents and nonresidents) to show their registry card or card number to law enforcement upon request. This provision applies if an officer asks for identification during a lawful interaction. The bill does not change existing protections for medical cannabis use but adds this identification requirement as a condition to avoid arrest under Chapter 23A-3. It directly affects individuals with valid medical cannabis cards who interact with police. The law amends existing statutes (§ 34-20G-2 and § 34-20G-3) to include this requirement.