Sen. Brandon Wipf

Maddy summaryHB 1056 requires South Dakota's Department of Social Services to submit a federal waiver request by September 1, 2026, to exclude soft drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill defines "soft drink" as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages (excluding milk, milk substitutes, and approved juices) and mandates annual waiver requests if initially denied. If approved, the restriction would take effect within six months, directly affecting SNAP participants who currently purchase soft drinks with benefits. This policy change would alter eligibility under federal SNAP rules for South Dakota recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Shane Jordan as the 2025 winner of the Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Planner Award. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a commemorative resolution to honor an individual's achievement. The legislation acknowledges Jordan's work as a district conservationist and his receipt of a national award for conservation excellence. The bill has no impact on funding, regulations, or public programs.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 6015) requests the Legislative Research Council's Executive Board to form a committee to study expanding state involvement in the national instant criminal background check system. It specifically directs the committee to examine how to better identify individuals with mental health issues seeking firearms, while addressing due process rights, reporting standards, and training requirements for those handling background check information. The study will also evaluate county mental health boards' roles, existing commitment processes, and how they might interact with background check systems. The resolution does not create new law but asks for a report with findings and recommendations for future legislative action. (Note: The bill title incorrectly references "county boards of mental illness" instead of the actual focus on background checks and mental health in firearm contexts.)

Maddy summaryHB 1179 increases the reimbursement fee paid to garnishees (entities holding a debtor's assets) for preparing garnishment disclosures. The bill amends South Dakota law to raise the current $15.50 fee for this service, requiring the plaintiff to pay the higher amount to cover the garnishee's preparation costs. This change directly affects garnishees who must prepare the disclosure when a garnishment summons is served. The bill does not alter the process or requirements for garnishment proceedings, only the reimbursement amount for the garnishee's work.

Maddy summarySB 93 prohibits state employees who approve, award, or administer state contracts from working for the organizations that received those contracts after leaving state service. For contracts under $1 million, this creates a one-year waiting period; for contracts over $1 million, it extends to two years. The bill allows exceptions if a governing body authorizes the arrangement through written disclosure and approval, ensuring the arrangement is fair and in the public interest. This applies to employees handling contracts within their official duties, excluding unpaid or per diem roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5.2 million from the state general fund to construct a trades center at Lake Area Technical College, providing new classrooms, labs, and student services for technical training programs. The college must secure matching funds from non-state sources (gifts, grants, etc.) equal to the state appropriation before the funds are released. The legislature declared an emergency to expedite the project, which will not use bonds for completion and requires approval of expenditures by the Department of Education and state auditor. The center directly affects students and staff at Lake Area Technical College by expanding hands-on training facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1227 increases the annual registration fee for owners of electric motor vehicles in South Dakota from $50 to $51 (likely a typo for $50, as "fifty one hundred" is inconsistent with standard fee amounts). The fee applies when renewing vehicle registration and must be paid alongside standard license fees, excluding electric motorcycles covered under separate law. All collected fees are deposited into the state highway fund. The bill specifically defines "electric motor vehicle" as noncommercial, battery-rechargeable vehicles meeting federal safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 authorizes South Dakota booster clubs (like school or community groups) to operate bingo games, lotteries, and pull-tab devices for fundraising. The bill adds booster clubs to the list of organizations allowed to host these activities under existing rules, requiring them to follow specific safeguards: prizes cannot exceed $2,000 per play, they must provide 30 days' written notice to local governments before events, and no one can be paid more than minimum wage (or $60/hour) for organizing sessions. It also clarifies that booster clubs can use mechanical pull-tab devices under the same conditions as other eligible groups. This changes current law to explicitly permit these fundraising methods for booster clubs while maintaining oversight and financial restrictions.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 605 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the monarch butterfly's ecological importance and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts in South Dakota. It urges state agencies, local governments, and land managers to preserve existing milkweed habitats where practical and prioritize pollinator-friendly native seed mixes - including milkweed - in plantings that align with land management goals. The resolution specifically emphasizes voluntary cooperation with landowners and agricultural operations, avoiding regulatory impacts, while urging federal agencies to support these efforts through technical assistance. It does not create new legal requirements but formally supports existing conservation practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 812) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Glenn Muller, a South Dakota agricultural leader. It formally commends his career in the state's pork industry, including his work with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, his role in expanding swine operations, and his advocacy for agriculture. The resolution specifically recognizes his receipt of awards like the South Dakota Corn Growers Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 Governor's Ag Ambassador designation. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for his contributions to South Dakota agriculture.