Sen. Lauren Nelson

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires South Dakota's Department of Education to apply to the U.S. Department of Education for authority to create a new assessment system. If approved, the state must develop and implement an assessment model that meets specific federal requirements, including measuring student growth in reading and math, aligning with existing academic standards, using science-based literacy practices, and reinforcing foundational math skills. The bill directly affects South Dakota public schools and the Department of Education, mandating consultation with educators and parents during development. This change would replace current state assessment practices with a federally approved system starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1115 revises South Dakota's law on unauthorized possession of controlled drugs by changing where such charges are filed. The bill amends Section 22-42-5 to state that unauthorized possession charges must now be prosecuted under § 22-42-5.1 instead of the current section. This directly affects individuals found in possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription or authorization. The bill maintains existing felony classifications: possession of Schedule I/II drugs remains a Class 5 felony, while Schedule III/IV possession remains a Class 6 felony. The change primarily modifies the legal citation for prosecution without altering the penalties or scope of the offense.

Maddy summarySB 123 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any food product containing cell-cultured protein within South Dakota. It directly affects food service businesses, restaurants, and mobile food vendors that sell such products. The bill defines "cell-cultured protein" as human food made from animal cells grown outside a live animal, and establishes a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty for violations. Authorities may inspect establishments, issue stop-sale orders, and suspend business licenses for noncompliance. The law aims to ban these products through direct sales restrictions and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1074 requires counties to be compensated for administrative costs incurred when managing tax increment financing (TIF) districts created by municipalities. Specifically, counties may withhold an amount equal to their actual administration costs from the positive tax increments generated by these districts. The bill amends existing law to mandate that county treasurers deduct these costs before depositing remaining tax increments into the district's special fund. This directly affects counties that administer TIF districts and ensures they are reimbursed for associated expenses from the district's own revenue stream.

Maddy summaryHB 1087 prohibits the use of paid petition circulators for initiatives seeking to amend South Dakota's constitution or propose new laws. The bill requires that all petition circulators disclose whether they are volunteers or paid, and if paid, state the exact compensation amount. This disclosure requirement effectively bans paid circulators by making it impossible to circulate petitions without revealing payment details. The bill directly affects petition sponsors and circulators working on constitutional amendment or initiated measure petitions. It amends existing petition filing rules to enforce this prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 1075 requires local governing bodies to provide written notice to property owners at least 10 days before establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) district. The notice must inform owners their property is within the proposed district boundaries and state the intended establishment date. This bill directly affects property owners in areas where TIF districts are being considered. It adds a procedural requirement to existing law, ensuring owners receive advance notice before a TIF district is created, without changing how TIF districts operate or their financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 requires South Dakota's Board of Education to amend administrative rules by September 2026 to update high school graduation coursework requirements. The bill mandates specific credit counts: 4 units of language arts (including writing, speech, and American literature), 3 social studies units (U.S. history and government), 3 math units (including Algebra I), 3 science units (including biology), plus required courses in personal finance, fine arts, physical education, health, and electives. It allows substitutions for one science credit using approved advanced computer science or agriculture science courses (but not for biology), and permits up to one fine arts credit through extracurricular activities with documented alignment to state standards. This directly affects all South Dakota public high school students and school districts implementing graduation standards.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring Madisen Younie as 2025 South Dakota Girls State Governor and Brody Tynan as 2025 South Dakota Boys State Governor. It also recognizes the South Dakota American Legion and Auxiliary for their decades-long sponsorship of the Girls State and Boys State programs, which educate youth about U.S. government through hands-on learning. The resolution formally expresses legislative appreciation for these young leaders and the Legion's long-term coordination of the programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1008 requires South Dakota schools to amend administrative rules to allow students to earn high school credit for participation in extracurricular athletics. Specifically, it permits up to one fine arts credit (max 1/4 credit per activity per year) and up to one-half physical education credit (max 1/4 credit per varsity athletic activity per year) through school-sanctioned activities. School districts must document how these activities align with state standards for fine arts and physical education. The amendment must be filed by September 30, 2026, directly affecting South Dakota high school students and school districts.

Maddy summarySB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.