Sen. Kyle Schoenfish

Maddy summaryHB 1213 appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Education for a statewide educator retention initiative. The bill provides grants to public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to address retention challenges, using both quantitative and qualitative data to identify and resolve underlying issues. School districts must apply for funding, with grants covering program costs during fiscal years 2026-2029, and the Department may use up to 5% of the appropriation for administration. This initiative requires a comprehensive approach to support educators, with funds allocated based on approved applications and expiring June 30, 2029.

Maddy summarySJR 504 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow South Dakota to authorize mobile and electronic wagering on sporting events. The amendment requires such wagering to be offered only through licensed Deadwood casinos with servers located within Deadwood, and mandates that 90% of tax revenue from these wagers must fund statewide property tax relief or reductions. If approved by voters, this would change the state constitution to permit this new form of betting, which is currently restricted under existing gambling laws. The amendment must be voted on by South Dakota residents at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 provides $8 million in total funding ($4 million from the general fund and $4 million in federal fund expenditure authority) to the South Dakota Department of Social Services. This funding increases payment rates for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in South Dakota, as defined by federal regulations (42 C.F.R. § 405.2401). The bill directly affects FQHCs by raising reimbursement rates for services they provide, improving their funding stability. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and unspent amounts revert per standard state procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for a single grant to a statewide food distribution organization. This organization must distribute food to all counties across South Dakota, with at least $1.5 million of the grant required to purchase food directly from local South Dakota farmers and producers. The bill mandates annual reports detailing grant spending, types/amounts of food purchased, and distribution to food pantries, to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture until the full grant is expended. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and is intended to support food pantries statewide while prioritizing local agricultural purchases.

Maddy summarySB 227 sets a 75% damage threshold for insurers to declare a motor vehicle a total loss. Insurers cannot classify a car as totaled unless repair costs meet or exceed 75% of its actual cash value (current market value based on make, model, mileage, and condition). Vehicle owners may still request a total loss declaration below this threshold with written consent. This bill directly affects auto insurance companies and vehicle owners in South Dakota by changing how insurers determine total loss claims.

Maddy summarySB 239 modifies South Dakota's reinvestment payment program for businesses that complete qualifying projects. It requires project owners to submit detailed affidavits within six months of completion, including costs, tax payments, contractor lists, and project details, to qualify for rebates. The bill creates a dedicated fund to reimburse businesses for South Dakota sales, use, and contractors excise taxes paid on approved projects, while exempting gross receipts from these taxes for qualifying projects. It also sets clear deadlines for filings and specifies that costs beyond three years from construction (with possible one-year extension) are ineligible for rebates. This directly affects businesses completing projects under the program who seek tax rebates on eligible construction expenses.

Maddy summaryThe provided bill text only shows an amendment to education funding definitions (§ 13-13-10.1) and does not include the specific provision about wind farm revenues mentioned in the bill title. The text defines terms like "fall enrollment" and "target teacher ratio" but omits any mechanism for allocating wind farm revenues to school districts. Without the actual revenue-sharing language or relevant sections of the bill, a factual summary cannot be generated from the given context.

Maddy summarySB 226 increases the payout limit for video lottery machines (allowing more than $1,000 per bet) and redirects excess revenue from video lottery gaming into a new fund. Specifically, after $165 million annually is deposited into the video lottery operating fund, any additional state share of video lottery revenue must go to the "residential tax reduction fund." This fund, administered by the Department of Revenue, provides property tax relief for owner-occupied single-family homes. The bill changes how video lottery revenue is distributed but does not alter the current 50% state share of net machine income.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 811) is a ceremonial resolution commending Amber Vogt, a Lead-Deadwood School District Board of Education member, for being named the 2025 Outstanding School Board Member by the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. It recognizes her work advocating for student opportunities, building consensus, and supporting district salary increases. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or funding changes - it solely honors her service with formal recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally commends Duane Alm for his over 60 years of service to the Aberdeen School District as an educator, administrator, and school board member, and for receiving the 2025 School Bell Award from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. The resolution expresses the legislature's appreciation for his dedication to K-12 education in South Dakota. It has no legal effect or policy impact - only symbolic recognition.