Sen. Amber Hulse

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 812) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Glenn Muller, a South Dakota agricultural leader. It formally commends his career in the state's pork industry, including his work with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, his role in expanding swine operations, and his advocacy for agriculture. The resolution specifically recognizes his receipt of awards like the South Dakota Corn Growers Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 Governor's Ag Ambassador designation. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for his contributions to South Dakota agriculture.

Maddy summarySB 118 creates a "homeowner tax reduction fund" in South Dakota's state treasury. Each year by January 31st, the treasurer must deposit either $100 million or 0.3% of revenues collected from specific property taxes (chapters 10-45, 10-46, 10-46E, 10-58, and § 32-5B-20) into this fund. The Department of Revenue will use these funds to provide property tax rebates for owner-occupied single-family homes, with money in the fund not allowed to transfer to the general fund and requiring annual budgeting through the general appropriation bill. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySJR 507 proposes a constitutional amendment for voter approval that would reduce property taxes for owner-occupied homes while increasing business tax rates. Specifically, it would lower the maximum school district tax rate for single-family owner-occupied homes from $20.50 to $5.21 per $1,000 of taxable value, and raise the gross receipts tax rate for retailers and service businesses from 4.2% to 5%. This tax swap would directly affect homeowners through lower property taxes and businesses through higher sales tax rates on goods and services. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election before taking effect.

Maddy summarySB 216 limits annual property tax valuation increases for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota to 3% per year, starting from a base value determined by either the 2020 market value or the sale price if purchased between 2020 and 2026. The bill directly affects homeowners by preventing sudden tax hikes due to rising market values, while allowing reassessment at fair market value after a sale or ownership change. Exceptions permit higher valuation increases for property improvements (up to 40% of current value) or changes in property use or expansion. This policy aims to stabilize homeowners' tax burdens without altering the existing tax system's structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1270 creates a legal apprenticeship pathway for becoming a licensed attorney in South Dakota, specifically for graduates of the University of South Dakota School of Law who are South Dakota residents. To qualify, applicants must complete 675 hours of supervised legal work under a licensed attorney with at least seven years of practice, followed by a background check. Upon meeting these requirements, apprentices receive a license but must also complete 50 hours of pro bono legal work annually for five years after licensure. The bill directly affects prospective lawyers at USD Law who choose this alternative to traditional law school graduation and bar exam requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the property tax exemption amount for disabled veterans and surviving spouses in South Dakota. Currently, $350,000 of a home's value is exempt from property taxes under the program; the bill raises this amount but does not specify the new figure in the provided text. It directly affects veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disabilities, as well as surviving spouses of such veterans. The change would lower property tax bills for eligible homeowners without altering application requirements or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 1224 prohibits South Dakota financial institutions from denying or restricting banking services (like checking accounts, loans, or credit cards) based on a person's religious exercise, free speech, or lawful economic activity. It requires institutions to provide a specific, written explanation within 30 days if they take an adverse action, detailing whether protected activities influenced the decision - replacing vague reasons like "internal policies." The bill bans agreements to discriminate and makes violations a deceptive trade practice under existing state law. It applies to large institutions processing over $100 billion in annual transactions, with exceptions for legitimate business reasons like account defaults or legal compliance.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6014) honors the 37 privately owned cabin owners in Custer State Park and their property rights. It recognizes that these owners pay property taxes, lease fees to the park, and contribute to the park foundation, but face uncertainty as their leases expire soon. The resolution urges the Governor and Department of Game, Fish and Parks to create new leases for the cabin owners to secure their future in the park. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new legal rights but expresses legislative support for the cabin owners' continued role in the park.

Maddy summaryHB 1217 would restrict public education employers in South Dakota, such as school districts and technical colleges, from using taxpayer funds or resources to support labor unions or their activities. The bill specifically prohibits actions like deducting union dues from employee paychecks, sharing employee personal information with unions without consent, using school facilities for union membership drives, or favoring one union over another. It also bans public education employers from contributing public money to unions or providing paid time off for union-related activities. Violations would be subject to penalties, though the exact penalty details are not provided in the bill text. This bill directly affects how public education employers interact with labor organizations and their employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment (like tractors, combines, and irrigation systems) to provide independent repair shops or equipment owners with necessary repair information and tools. It mandates that manufacturers share diagnostic codes, manuals, and specialty tools under "fair and reasonable terms," while protecting trade secrets and confidential information. The law specifically covers equipment used in farming, excluding motor vehicles and industrial machinery, and applies to both current and newer equipment. This policy change directly affects farmers and independent repair businesses by expanding their ability to repair equipment without relying solely on manufacturer-approved services.