Sen. Jim Mehlhaff

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to provide grants for volunteer fire departments in South Dakota to purchase safety gear (like helmets and suits) for their firefighters. It specifically targets departments where at least 70% of firefighters volunteer, prioritizing those with the greatest equipment needs. The Department of Public Safety will distribute funds based on application timing and need, with unspent funds reverting by June 2030. An emergency declaration allows the funding to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1215 allows South Dakota counties and municipalities to issue licenses for cigar bars, directly affecting business owners seeking to operate such establishments and local governments responsible for licensing. The bill requires cigar bars to have a humidor, be fully enclosed with proper ventilation, generate at least 10% of income from cigar sales, and prohibit all tobacco products except cigars. Local governments must hold public hearings for applications and report annual cigar sales income to the Department of Revenue, while also posting clear smoking restrictions. The law explicitly excludes these venues from other liquor license limits and prohibits transferring licenses to new owners.

Maddy summarySB 3 limits local governments in South Dakota from requiring building permits for specific minor residential repairs and renovations on owner-occupied homes. It prohibits counties, municipalities, and townships from mandating permits for exterior repairs like replacing doors, windows, siding, gutters, or roof shingles, as well as interior work that doesn’t affect structural elements like foundations, load-bearing walls, or major utility systems. The bill directly affects homeowners performing these routine maintenance tasks without needing local permit approval. This is a procedural change focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles for small-scale home improvements.

Maddy summarySB 98 requires operators of virtual currency kiosks in South Dakota to obtain a license under existing financial regulations (Chapter 51A-17). It mandates detailed reporting to the state, including transaction volumes, user complaints, refund requests, and suspicious activity. The bill also requires kiosk operators to provide users with receipts containing transaction details, exchange rates, virtual currency addresses, and refund policies. These provisions directly affect kiosk operators (licensees) and users engaging in virtual currency transactions at these locations. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in virtual currency kiosk operations.

Maddy summarySB 36 requires electric utilities and wholesale electricity generators in South Dakota to develop and submit wildfire mitigation plans to either the Public Utilities Commission or their local governing body (like a city council). These plans must include specific strategies for risk assessment, infrastructure inspections, vegetation management, and community outreach to reduce wildfire risks. Utilities must also submit annual compliance reports by April 1st each year, with filing fees of $500 for initial plans and $250 for reports. The bill establishes a standardized process for these plans and reports but does not specify liability protections beyond the plan requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends South Dakota law (§ 22-19B-4) to upgrade penalties for preventing someone from practicing their religion through threats or violence. Currently a Class 1 misdemeanor, the offense would become a Class 6 felony under this bill. It directly affects individuals who use intimidation or force to stop others from engaging in legally protected religious activities. The key change is reclassifying the penalty level in the statute, increasing the legal consequences for such conduct.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 87 ensures counties cover the full cost of forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault or rape, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for victims. The bill specifies covered costs include physician services, necessary tests (like STD screenings and pregnancy tests), supplies, and medications, with payments capped at Medicaid rates. It allows minors aged 16+ to consent to exams without parental permission and permits exams for protected persons without guardian consent, provided informed consent is obtained. Hospitals and clinics cannot bill victims beyond these Medicaid-based limits, and must notify victims of their no-cost access regardless of cooperation with law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Dr. Kelly Glodt as he retires from his position as superintendent of the Pierre School District. It formally recognizes his nearly two decades of service and acknowledges his contributions to educational leadership and fiscal management within the district. The resolution expresses appreciation for his tenure and legacy but does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that honors TKO's Custom Catering and Capitol Cafe for their outstanding service during the legislative session. It recognizes the catering team for providing meals to legislators, staff, and visitors throughout the Capitol Building, contributing to a positive work environment. The resolution formally acknowledges their dedication and high-quality food service, but does not create any new laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 508 proposes amending South Dakota's constitution to remove the lieutenant governor's role as presiding officer of the Senate. If approved by voters, the lieutenant governor would no longer serve as Senate president (currently outlined in Article IV, Section 5), though they would retain other duties delegated by the governor. The bill also repeals a related constitutional provision (Article XVI, Section 6) regarding the lieutenant governor's role in gubernatorial impeachment trials. This change would require voters to approve the constitutional amendment at the next general election. The amendment directly affects the lieutenant governor's official duties and Senate procedural rules.