Sen. John Carley

Maddy summarySB 155 strengthens legislative oversight by expanding subpoena and document-request powers to both the Government Operations and Audit Committee and the Judiciary Committees in the House and Senate. It prohibits retaliation against state employees, consultants, or contractors who cooperate with investigations, allowing civil lawsuits for damages, back pay, or whistleblower rewards up to $50,000. The bill also extends a two-year ban on former state officials (including department heads) working as lobbyists or accepting contracts they previously approved, with violations now classified as felonies. These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in state government operations.

Maddy summarySB 181 would end South Dakota's medical cannabis program if the federal government reclassifies cannabis as a Schedule III drug under federal law. It specifically repeals the state's medical cannabis chapter (Chapter 34-20G) upon confirmation by the attorney general that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made this federal change. The law requires the Department of Health to notify all current medical cannabis cardholders and licensed businesses about the repeal and its effective date. This change only affects South Dakota's medical cannabis program and would not impact recreational cannabis laws or other state regulations.

Maddy summarySB 194 limits THC potency in medical cannabis products sold at South Dakota dispensaries. It prohibits dispensaries from selling cannabis flower with over 30% THC, liquid concentrates over 60% THC, edibles exceeding 5mg THC per serving or 100mg per container, and cannabis oil over 5% THC. These specific THC thresholds apply directly to products sold at licensed medical dispensaries. The bill aims to restrict the strength of cannabis products available through the state's medical program.

Maddy summarySB 2 amends South Dakota law to clarify that firearm silencers (devices reducing gunshot noise) are not classified as "controlled weapons." This change removes silencers from the category of weapons subject to strict state regulations, such as special permits or licensing requirements. The bill directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and sellers of silencers in South Dakota by eliminating these regulatory barriers. The key mechanism is an amendment to the definitions section of the state's criminal code (§ 22-1-2), specifically excluding silencers from the definition of "controlled weapon."

Maddy summaryHB 1243 requires all South Dakota public schools to display the state motto, "Under God the People Rule," in a prominent location like an entryway or cafeteria. Schools may use a mounted plaque, student artwork, or other approved form chosen by the principal. The bill also mandates that the state Attorney General provide free legal representation and cover related costs - including damages, fees, and expenses - for school districts, employees, or board members facing lawsuits over displaying the motto. This applies to both the state motto and the national motto when displayed per this law.

Maddy summaryThis South Dakota House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6009) urges Congress to repeal the federal estate tax. It directly affects farm and ranch families and generational family businesses, as their assets (like land and equipment) are often hard to sell quickly to pay the tax. The resolution highlights that the tax can force heirs to downsize or sell operations to cover payments, rather than allowing them to maintain family assets. The resolution is a formal request to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing tax policy.

Maddy summarySB 94 amends South Dakota's open records law to clarify which records are exempt from public disclosure. It specifically protects student records (excluding basic directory info), medical records (except births/deaths), trade secrets, legal work product, law enforcement investigation details (with exceptions for 911 calls and alcohol/drug tests), property appraisal data, personnel files (excluding salaries), and security plans for buildings, facilities, and gaming commissions. These exemptions ensure sensitive information like cyber security details, vulnerability assessments, and confidential informant data cannot be disclosed under open records requests. The bill directly affects public entities (schools, police, government offices) by defining clearer boundaries for what they may withhold from public access.

Maddy summarySB 112 would recognize physical gold and silver coins (specie) as legal tender in South Dakota starting July 1, 2027. It allows private parties to use gold/silver for mutual debt payments and state/local governments to accept them for taxes/fees if they agree, though no one must accept them except by mutual agreement or through authorized electronic payment systems. The bill establishes definitions for "bullion depository" (secure storage for gold/silver) and "electronic payment system" (digital platforms backed by physical bullion), requiring the state treasurer to set rules for these systems. It directly affects residents, businesses, and government entities by adding gold/silver as an optional payment method under specific conditions. The state treasurer would designate storage facilities and authorize payment systems to enable transactions using physical gold/silver.

Maddy summaryHB 1068 allows South Dakota pharmacists to dispense ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to adults 18+ based on written protocols created by physicians. These protocols must include risk assessments, drug information (indications, usage, side effects), and instructions for handling adverse events. The law shields physicians and pharmacists from liability for good-faith compliance, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. It directly affects healthcare providers who dispense these drugs and patients receiving them under this new process.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 revises South Dakota's regulations for birth centers and certified professional midwives. It requires birth centers to obtain a license from the Department of Health (with a $500 fee), mandates risk assessments to confirm low-risk pregnancies before admission, and requires written care plans addressing each client's medical and emotional needs. The bill also mandates that a practitioner or registered nurse be on-site during active labor and repeals the previous requirement that birth centers be within 30 minutes of a hospital. These changes directly affect birth centers, certified midwives, and patients seeking care at these facilities.