Sen. John Carley

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6003) recognizes conservation and restoration practices - such as native vegetation restoration, stream rehabilitation, and beaver dam analogues - as critical for addressing water shortages and reducing wildfire risks in South Dakota's Black Hills region. It specifically commends organizations like the Black Hills Watershed Collaborative, landowners, and community groups working on these projects. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges these efforts' role in improving water availability, fire mitigation, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. It serves as a symbolic statement of legislative support for ongoing community-led conservation work.

Maddy summaryHCR 6002 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, who was assassinated in 2025 at age 31. The resolution recognizes his work founding Turning Point USA at 18, his advocacy for free markets and constitutional liberties, and his influence through media and policy advising. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely symbolic. The resolution urges South Dakota citizens to reflect on Kirk’s legacy and extends condolences to his family. This is a procedural honor without legal or practical impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1008 requires South Dakota schools to amend administrative rules to allow students to earn high school credit for participation in extracurricular athletics. Specifically, it permits up to one fine arts credit (max 1/4 credit per activity per year) and up to one-half physical education credit (max 1/4 credit per varsity athletic activity per year) through school-sanctioned activities. School districts must document how these activities align with state standards for fine arts and physical education. The amendment must be filed by September 30, 2026, directly affecting South Dakota high school students and school districts.

Maddy summarySB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 1090 requires the governor's office to publish notices of appointments or reappointments to state boards, commissions, councils, or other entities in the next regularly scheduled issue of the South Dakota Register. This applies to all positions the governor can appoint under state law, including filling vacancies. The bill mandates this publication as a standard step for transparency, directly affecting the governor's office and the public who access the Register. It does not change appointment powers or create new requirements beyond publication.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding South Dakota House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6006) urges the state's congressional delegation (Senators Thune and Rounds, Rep. Johnson) to end U.S. foreign aid programs and halt overseas nation-building efforts until federal debt is controlled. It cites the national debt exceeding $38 trillion, projected $1 trillion in 2026 interest payments, and a 124% debt-to-GDP ratio as justification. The resolution specifically asks the delegation to "rein in the federal debt" by halting foreign aid and advocating for congressional declarations of war before military engagements. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect and cannot alter U.S. foreign policy or budget decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, distribution, possession, and use of kratom and kratom products for all individuals, not just those under 21. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic compounds, or harmful additives, and requires mandatory labeling with serving sizes, alkaloid content, and health warnings. Violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, punishable by fines or jail time. The law directly affects consumers, retailers, and manufacturers of kratom products across South Dakota.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 61 bans the sale, distribution, and possession of hemp-derived products containing chemically modified or synthesized cannabinoids (like delta-8, delta-9, or delta-10 THC) intended for human or animal consumption, unless they are approved medical products. The bill specifically prohibits products where cannabinoids exceed 0.4 milligrams combined per container, are not naturally produced by hemp, or were created through chemical processes. It directly affects commercial sellers and consumers of non-medical hemp products (such as gummies, edibles, or vape cartridges) containing these synthetic or modified compounds. Medical cannabis products regulated under Chapter 34-20G are exempt from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 58) modifies South Dakota's property tax code to eliminate a specific county road maintenance levy. It amends Section 10-12-13 to reduce the maximum annual tax levy for county highway and bridge reserve funds from $0.90-$1.20 per $1,000 of taxable value to $0.00 per $1,000. This change directly affects counties that previously used this levy to fund road maintenance, requiring them to find alternative funding sources for highway and bridge projects. The bill does not alter general property tax rates or other levy types; it specifically targets the road maintenance tax provision.

Maddy summarySB 13 clarifies that the 72-hour notice requirement for posting public meeting agendas does not include weekends or legal holidays. It directly affects state boards, commissions, and departments that must post meeting agendas online and at their offices. The bill specifies that the 72-hour countdown starts after the notice is posted, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This change makes the timing rule clearer for government entities without altering the core requirement to post agendas 72 hours before meetings.