Sen. Carl Perry

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals registering to vote in South Dakota to provide proof of U.S. citizenship as part of their voter registration process. It directly affects all current and prospective voters by mandating the submission of specific documents such as a state-issued ID with citizenship verification, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. The legislation also establishes a "federal voter" designation for people who use only P.O. box addresses without a physical residence description, limiting their ballot access to federal elections only. Additionally, the bill sets a July 1, 2026 deadline for existing voters to re-submit citizenship documentation when changing counties within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1187 adds coaches to South Dakota's list of mandatory reporters required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill directly affects coaches who work with children under 18, including those in school sports, youth programs, or other settings involving minors. Coaches would now be legally obligated to report suspected abuse or neglect, just like teachers, doctors, and other existing mandatory reporters listed in state law. This change aligns coaches with similar professionals already required to make such reports under South Dakota statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1184 defines "female" in South Dakota law as "an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a congenital anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption, the reproductive system that produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization." This definition applies to all state laws, regulations, and programs. The bill prohibits state funding for any program, service, or policy that contradicts this definition of "female." It directly affects state agencies, healthcare providers, schools, and any entity receiving state funds that use gender-related terms.

Maddy summarySB 90 requires South Dakota's prescription drug monitoring program to collect a patient's gender in addition to existing information (name, date of birth, address, and registry card number) for each medical marijuana registry cardholder. This change applies specifically to individuals holding a qualifying patient registry identification card under South Dakota law. The bill amends existing statute to mandate that the department submit gender data to the monitoring program for all cardholders, including nonresidents. This update aims to expand the demographic data available in the state's drug monitoring system.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 requires non-medical home care agencies in South Dakota to obtain a license from the Department of Health before operating. Agencies must submit applications, pay a fee (capped at $100), and verify that home care aides complete 10 hours of mandatory training (covering dementia care, safety, nutrition, and abuse reporting) and pass criminal background checks. The bill directly affects home care agencies, their employees (home care aides), and clients receiving services like bathing assistance, meal prep, or companionship in their homes. Operating without a license is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and agencies must maintain client records and allow department inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to provide grants for volunteer fire departments in South Dakota to purchase safety gear (like helmets and suits) for their firefighters. It specifically targets departments where at least 70% of firefighters volunteer, prioritizing those with the greatest equipment needs. The Department of Public Safety will distribute funds based on application timing and need, with unspent funds reverting by June 2030. An emergency declaration allows the funding to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 142 amends South Dakota's campaign finance disclosure rules, affecting political committees (including candidates, parties, and committees) that must file financial reports. It standardizes filing deadlines: most entities must submit pre-primary, pre-general, and year-end reports in even-numbered years, with year-end reports annually in odd years. The bill adds requirements for termination reports if a party loses qualified status or a committee ceases activity, and specifies Class 2 misdemeanor penalties for violations. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1215 allows South Dakota counties and municipalities to issue licenses for cigar bars, directly affecting business owners seeking to operate such establishments and local governments responsible for licensing. The bill requires cigar bars to have a humidor, be fully enclosed with proper ventilation, generate at least 10% of income from cigar sales, and prohibit all tobacco products except cigars. Local governments must hold public hearings for applications and report annual cigar sales income to the Department of Revenue, while also posting clear smoking restrictions. The law explicitly excludes these venues from other liquor license limits and prohibits transferring licenses to new owners.

Maddy summarySB 228 modifies South Dakota's rules for creating tax increment financing (TIF) districts, which are areas where property tax growth funds redevelopment projects. It updates the requirement that at least 50% of a district's area must be blighted or serve economic development goals (replacing a confusing "25 fifty percent" phrasing), and adds new consent rules: counties need municipal approval to create TIF districts within cities, and municipalities need county approval for districts within counties. These changes directly affect local governments (counties and municipalities) seeking to establish TIF districts for redevelopment. The bill focuses on clarifying eligibility criteria and intergovernmental coordination, not on funding amounts or project specifics.

Maddy summarySB 133 amends South Dakota's administrative law to strengthen legislative oversight of agency rulemaking. It clarifies that a "major rule" is defined as one likely to cost businesses, individuals, or local governments over $1 million in implementation or compliance costs over five years. The bill requires the Interim Rules Review Committee to establish an annual public meeting schedule by the first Monday after the legislative session ends and mandates all committee meetings be open with public input opportunities. This directly affects state agencies creating rules (like departments or commissions) and the committee tasked with reviewing them. The changes aim to formalize the committee's review process and ensure public transparency for rules with significant economic impacts.