Sen. Lauren Nelson

Maddy summaryHB 1090 requires the governor's office to publish notices of appointments or reappointments to state boards, commissions, councils, or other entities in the next regularly scheduled issue of the South Dakota Register. This applies to all positions the governor can appoint under state law, including filling vacancies. The bill mandates this publication as a standard step for transparency, directly affecting the governor's office and the public who access the Register. It does not change appointment powers or create new requirements beyond publication.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, distribution, possession, and use of kratom and kratom products for all individuals, not just those under 21. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic compounds, or harmful additives, and requires mandatory labeling with serving sizes, alkaloid content, and health warnings. Violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, punishable by fines or jail time. The law directly affects consumers, retailers, and manufacturers of kratom products across South Dakota.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 61 bans the sale, distribution, and possession of hemp-derived products containing chemically modified or synthesized cannabinoids (like delta-8, delta-9, or delta-10 THC) intended for human or animal consumption, unless they are approved medical products. The bill specifically prohibits products where cannabinoids exceed 0.4 milligrams combined per container, are not naturally produced by hemp, or were created through chemical processes. It directly affects commercial sellers and consumers of non-medical hemp products (such as gummies, edibles, or vape cartridges) containing these synthetic or modified compounds. Medical cannabis products regulated under Chapter 34-20G are exempt from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 requires terminal care facilities (hospitals, inpatient hospice, or residential hospice) to permit terminally ill patients with a medical cannabis card to store and use medical cannabis within the facility. It mandates that patients provide their registry card and a physician's note documenting the need, while prohibiting smoking or vaping on-site. Facilities must establish policies for administration and storage but are not required to procure or administer cannabis. This applies only to patients with a terminal condition (life expectancy under one year) and excludes emergency departments. The bill does not override federal enforcement actions against facilities that comply with federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1037 exempts active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces and veterans (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable) from paying resident fishing license fees in South Dakota. The bill adds a new provision to state law requiring the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to waive these fees for eligible individuals. This change directly affects military personnel and veterans who reside in South Dakota and purchase resident fishing licenses. The exemption applies to all resident fishing license fees mandated under existing state law.

Maddy summarySCR 601 is a symbolic Senate Concurrent Resolution (not a binding law) introduced by Senator Carley. It urges South Dakota to pursue economic policies aligned with "free market principles," emphasizing limited government, deregulation, and low taxes over tax incentives or subsidies for businesses. The resolution argues that government should only protect rights and avoid competing with private enterprise, instead focusing on "organic entrepreneurial growth." It directly affects state legislative and executive policy development by advocating for a specific philosophical approach to economic growth.

Maddy summaryHB 1208 allows individuals in South Dakota to use a mail forwarding service address or post office box when registering to vote or requesting an absentee ballot. This change directly affects voters who may not have a traditional residential street address, such as those living in transitional housing or using mail services. The bill removes the previous requirement for a physical street address in voter registration applications. By permitting these alternative addresses, the legislation aims to expand access to the voting process while maintaining the ability to verify voter eligibility through other means.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 amends South Dakota laws governing restrictions on obscene materials in public libraries and school libraries. The bill modifies existing provisions to clarify how libraries may limit access to certain content while maintaining their role as community resources. It directly affects library administrators, patrons, and educational institutions by updating the legal framework for content restrictions. The legislation focuses on revising specific statutory language rather than introducing new restrictions or expanding existing ones.

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 summaryThis bill, HB 1184, changes the deadline for citizens to submit petitions to start a ballot measure or constitutional amendment in South Dakota. It directly affects voters who wish to propose new laws or changes to the state constitution through the initiative process. The key provision adjusts the specific date by which these petitions must be filed, potentially altering when citizens can launch such efforts. This change modifies existing election procedures without adding new powers or restrictions to the initiative system.