Sen. Jim Mehlhaff

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that formally recognizes Grey Zabel, a South Dakota native, for his achievements as a member of the 2026 Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks. The resolution highlights his athletic career, including state championships in high school, NCAA titles at North Dakota State University, and his selection in the 2025 NFL draft. It serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to sports and his role in inspiring young athletes in South Dakota. The bill does not create any new laws or policies but rather serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his accomplishments.

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 summaryHB 1034 would increase fees for vehicle decals and license plates mailed directly to owners. Specifically, it raises the fee to $2.50 per decal set and $12 per license plate set when mailed. This change directly affects South Dakota vehicle owners who choose to have their decals or plates sent by mail instead of picking them up in person. The bill amends existing law to implement these higher mailing fees, which apply only to mail-delivered items, not in-person transactions. The policy change is limited to the fee structure for mailed vehicle registration materials.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 allows veteran business owners to display military specialty plates on noncommercial vehicles (like personal cars or vans) registered to their business, provided the veteran is listed as an additional owner on the vehicle's title. It also limits the veteran's personal liability for damages from accidents involving these business vehicles. The bill requires the veteran to meet standard military plate eligibility and vehicle registration rules, with a $10 additional fee for the specialty plates. This directly affects veteran business owners who operate noncommercial vehicles under their business registration.

Maddy summarySB 218 establishes a legal framework for charter schools in South Dakota. It defines charter schools as public schools operating under contracts with school districts or the state education department, granting them exemptions from most state education laws while requiring compliance with civil rights, health/safety rules, and standardized testing. The bill mandates annual performance reporting to the state, outlines application requirements for nonprofit organizers (including community support and financial plans), and specifies that charter schools must serve grades K-12 nonsectarianly without religious instruction. This directly affects school districts (as authorizing entities), nonprofit organizers seeking to open charter schools, and students enrolled in these schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1072 allocates $20.6 million in state and federal funds to provide South Dakota state employees with a payment equal to 1.5% of their January 1, 2026 salary. Starting July 1, 2026, each active state employee as of that date will receive this amount monthly in 12 equal installments. The payment applies only to employees still working at the time of each monthly disbursement, meaning no payments are made to those who left state employment before a payment date. The funds must be expended by June 30, 2027, with unused amounts reverting to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 would repeal South Dakota's death penalty by removing it as a sentencing option for Class A felonies, including first-degree murder. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of capital offenses, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment as the maximum sentence. Key provisions amend sections of the criminal code (specifically §§ 22-6-1, 22-16-12, and others) to eliminate the death penalty from Class A felony sentencing and adjust felony classifications accordingly. This change would apply to all future cases, meaning convicted individuals would no longer face execution as a possible penalty for the most serious crimes.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's Senate Joint Resolution 503 applies to the U.S. Congress to call a convention of states for proposing constitutional amendments. The resolution specifically requests amendments to impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, further limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for members of Congress and other federal officials. It includes conditions requiring the convention to be limited to these topics only and ensuring Congress performs only a ministerial role in convening it. This procedural resolution does not create new law but initiates a state-level step toward potential constitutional change under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1196 establishes rules for South Dakota's participation in an Article V constitutional convention. It requires delegates to swear an oath pledging not to support "unauthorized amendments" (those outside the convention's stated purpose) and mandates immediate recall by the Secretary of State if they violate this rule. The bill also sets qualifications for delegates, including residency requirements, voter registration, and disqualifications for recent federal employees or lobbyists. It specifies that South Dakota will not participate if the convention does not guarantee equal voting power per state. The law aims to ensure delegates strictly adhere to the convention's defined scope.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 requires online betting platforms offering pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog races to obtain a specific license from South Dakota. It clarifies that both in-state operators (with a physical presence) and out-of-state operators must pay a tax of 1.5% on South Dakota contributions, while multi-jurisdictional hubs pay 0.25% (with portions going to racing and breeding funds). The bill specifies that tax revenue will fund the state, a special racing revolving fund, and a South Dakota-bred racing fund. This applies only to online wagering for authorized horse and dog races, updating existing tax and licensing rules.