Sen. Red Dawn Foster

Maddy summarySB 141 exempts sales of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal products directly to consumers at qualifying farmers' markets from South Dakota's sales tax. It applies specifically to recurring public markets where multiple independent farmers and producers sell agricultural goods directly to shoppers. The bill removes the tax burden on these transactions, benefiting both small-scale farmers who sell at markets and consumers purchasing locally grown or made products. This policy change directly affects farmers' market operators and shoppers at these venues within South Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 requires South Dakota state agencies to improve communication with tribal governments through three key mechanisms: (1) annual training for state employees on tribal legal status, rights, and cultural issues; (2) yearly meetings between state officials (including the Governor) and tribal leaders to discuss policy impacts and concerns; and (3) annual reports from agencies detailing tribal engagement activities, policy changes made due to tribal input, and efforts to incorporate tribal consultation. The bill directly affects all South Dakota state agencies and tribal governments by mandating structured, documented interactions. It creates concrete reporting requirements for agencies to track and share their tribal-related work with both the Governor and tribal governments annually. This law focuses on building government-to-government relationships through regular dialogue and transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1181 prohibits the injection, release, or dispersal of specific chemicals (including aluminum barium, strontium, sulfur dioxide, and other substances known to cause health issues) into the atmosphere for weather or climate modification. It directly affects individuals and businesses engaging in such activities, imposing a minimum $100,000 civil penalty plus $10,000 per day for ongoing violations. The bill creates a monitoring fund to cover enforcement costs (funded by fines), requires airports to report on aircraft equipped for such dispersal, and establishes an online public reporting system for suspected violations. Key mechanisms include mandatory airport reporting, public submission of details (e.g., chemicals used), and departmental rules for investigations and compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 requires that any annual withdrawal of groundwater from a source cannot exceed the natural annual recharge rate of that source. The bill amends groundwater appropriation rules to prohibit approving new water rights if withdrawal would exceed recharge, based on available data. It directly affects applicants seeking groundwater rights, including agricultural users, municipalities, and industries. An exception allows withdrawals exceeding recharge for older groundwater formations used by public water systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1159 imposes a moratorium on new or expanded industrial dairy operations exceeding 7,499 cows in South Dakota, blocking permits for such projects after July 1, 2026. Existing permitted dairies can continue operating at their current scale. The moratorium, lasting until June 30, 2028, aims to give the state time to study industrial dairy impacts on the economy and environment, allow counties to update land-use plans (including road agreements and size-based setbacks), and assess watershed resource needs. It directly affects developers seeking to build or expand large-scale dairy farms.

Maddy summarySB 1 amends South Dakota's "Employer's Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund" to clarify how funds are distributed for economic development loans and grants. The bill requires the Governor's Office of Economic Development to establish specific rules for applicants, including how economic impact is assessed, selection criteria, interest rate limits (capped at 200 basis points above the federal funds rate), and repayment procedures. It directly affects businesses, researchers, and organizations seeking funding for projects that boost the state's economy. The changes streamline the process for awarding loans/grants while ensuring repayments replenish the fund. The bill updates existing rules under Section 61-5-29.1 without altering the fund's core purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the structure and staffing rules for the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission. It directly affects the commission's members and employees by changing how they are appointed and how many staff members the commission must have. The key provisions adjust the composition requirements and establish new staffing standards for the commission's operations. These changes aim to update the commission's framework to better support trade activities between South Dakota and Ireland.

Maddy summarySB 70 modifies the maximum sparsity benefit that sparse school districts in South Dakota are eligible to receive. The bill directly affects school districts classified as sparse, which are typically rural areas with low student population density. By adjusting the financial support limits, the legislation changes how much funding these districts can access to offset the higher costs of operating in low-density areas. This adjustment aims to align the benefit structure with updated criteria for sparsity classification without altering other aspects of school funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the South Dakota State Brand Board to sign a memorandum of understanding with any Indian tribe to investigate cattle theft. The agreement would allow tribal authorities and state officials to share information and coordinate efforts to track stolen livestock across jurisdictional lines. This provision aims to improve cooperation between state agencies and tribal governments in addressing livestock theft cases. The bill directly affects the State Brand Board, tribal law enforcement, and cattle owners in South Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 83 revises penalties for ingesting certain controlled substances in South Dakota and introduces treatment options for offenders. The bill directly affects individuals charged with drug ingestion offenses by adjusting sentencing guidelines and mandating access to substance abuse treatment programs. Key provisions include modifying existing punishment structures and establishing requirements for treatment services as part of the legal response. This legislation aims to balance punitive measures with rehabilitative approaches for those involved in controlled substance ingestion cases.