Sen. Carl Perry

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SCR 602) celebrates South Dakota's 42-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1984. It highlights specific trade ties, including a 2025 agricultural mission visit and a wheat purchase agreement between South Dakota and Taiwan. The resolution expresses support for strengthening trade relations, academic exchanges, the U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the partnership.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's Senate Concurrent Resolution 603 supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in establishing a federal working group of nutrition experts to develop evidence-based national standards for foods and beverages that can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The resolution does not create new law but urges Congress to pass legislation implementing the working group’s recommendations, which would align SNAP purchasing rules with current nutrition science and dietary guidelines. It directly affects the federal SNAP program, which provides food assistance to millions of low-income Americans, including South Dakota residents. The resolution emphasizes that national standards require federal action to ensure consistency, avoid state administrative costs, and prevent future policy reversals. This is a supportive measure for federal policy development, not a direct change to SNAP benefits or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 802) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 77th anniversary of Tabor Czech Days, an annual cultural festival in Tabor, South Dakota, scheduled for June 18-20, 2026. It formally honors the event and the Czech immigrant heritage it celebrates, highlighting traditions like music, food, museums, and community activities. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official state recognition through the legislature. It directly acknowledges the festival’s cultural significance to South Dakota’s Czech community and its annual events.

Maddy summarySB 105 requires anyone installing radon mitigation systems for compensation to obtain a state license from the South Dakota Department of Health. Applicants must provide proof of national certification, pay an initial fee of up to $500, and be at least 18 years old. To renew a license, installers must complete 7 hours of approved continuing education and maintain current national certification, with renewal fees capped at $250. Installing radon systems without a license is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Maddy summarySB 99 eliminates property taxes on owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota by reducing the maximum tax levy to $0 per thousand valuation, while increasing gross receipts tax rates for retailers from 4.2% to 6.2%. The bill also expands the 4.2% gross receipts tax to cover additional services like accountants, beauty shops, and laundry services (previously taxed at 4.2% under § 10-45-5). These changes directly affect homeowners (specifically single-family residents) and businesses in the listed service sectors. The policy shifts local tax burden from property to retail sales, with the revenue funding a new "property tax local effort replacement fund" to offset the reduced property tax revenue for school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of any food product containing "cell-cultured protein" in South Dakota from July 2026 through June 2036. The bill defines cell-cultured protein as meat-like products made from animal cells grown outside a live animal, excluding items like fermented foods or pharmaceuticals. Violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, and state inspectors can issue stop-sale orders for noncompliant food businesses. Businesses found violating the law may face license suspension or revocation for food service establishments.

Maddy summarySB 95 requires medical cannabis cardholders (both residents and nonresidents) to show their registry card or card number to law enforcement upon request. This provision applies if an officer asks for identification during a lawful interaction. The bill does not change existing protections for medical cannabis use but adds this identification requirement as a condition to avoid arrest under Chapter 23A-3. It directly affects individuals with valid medical cannabis cards who interact with police. The law amends existing statutes (§ 34-20G-2 and § 34-20G-3) to include this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires South Dakota's Department of Education to apply to the U.S. Department of Education for authority to create a new assessment system. If approved, the state must develop and implement an assessment model that meets specific federal requirements, including measuring student growth in reading and math, aligning with existing academic standards, using science-based literacy practices, and reinforcing foundational math skills. The bill directly affects South Dakota public schools and the Department of Education, mandating consultation with educators and parents during development. This change would replace current state assessment practices with a federally approved system starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1115 revises South Dakota's law on unauthorized possession of controlled drugs by changing where such charges are filed. The bill amends Section 22-42-5 to state that unauthorized possession charges must now be prosecuted under § 22-42-5.1 instead of the current section. This directly affects individuals found in possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription or authorization. The bill maintains existing felony classifications: possession of Schedule I/II drugs remains a Class 5 felony, while Schedule III/IV possession remains a Class 6 felony. The change primarily modifies the legal citation for prosecution without altering the penalties or scope of the offense.

Maddy summarySB 123 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any food product containing cell-cultured protein within South Dakota. It directly affects food service businesses, restaurants, and mobile food vendors that sell such products. The bill defines "cell-cultured protein" as human food made from animal cells grown outside a live animal, and establishes a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty for violations. Authorities may inspect establishments, issue stop-sale orders, and suspend business licenses for noncompliance. The law aims to ban these products through direct sales restrictions and enforcement mechanisms.