Rep. Mike Weisgram

Maddy summaryHB 1034 would increase fees for vehicle decals and license plates mailed directly to owners. Specifically, it raises the fee to $2.50 per decal set and $12 per license plate set when mailed. This change directly affects South Dakota vehicle owners who choose to have their decals or plates sent by mail instead of picking them up in person. The bill amends existing law to implement these higher mailing fees, which apply only to mail-delivered items, not in-person transactions. The policy change is limited to the fee structure for mailed vehicle registration materials.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 allows patrons to carry and drink alcoholic beverages purchased at a bar or lounge in other businesses located within the same building, provided those businesses are owned or operated by the same entity. It specifically applies to "connected enterprises" (like restaurants or shops) sharing the same building as a licensed bar or lounge. The bill amends South Dakota law to permit this consumption without requiring separate liquor licenses for those connected spaces. This policy change directly affects businesses operating under shared ownership in multi-use buildings containing a bar or lounge. The provision does not apply to businesses outside the same building or owned by different entities.

Maddy summarySB 226 increases the payout limit for video lottery machines (allowing more than $1,000 per bet) and redirects excess revenue from video lottery gaming into a new fund. Specifically, after $165 million annually is deposited into the video lottery operating fund, any additional state share of video lottery revenue must go to the "residential tax reduction fund." This fund, administered by the Department of Revenue, provides property tax relief for owner-occupied single-family homes. The bill changes how video lottery revenue is distributed but does not alter the current 50% state share of net machine income.

Maddy summaryHB 1072 allocates $20.6 million in state and federal funds to provide South Dakota state employees with a payment equal to 1.5% of their January 1, 2026 salary. Starting July 1, 2026, each active state employee as of that date will receive this amount monthly in 12 equal installments. The payment applies only to employees still working at the time of each monthly disbursement, meaning no payments are made to those who left state employment before a payment date. The funds must be expended by June 30, 2027, with unused amounts reverting to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1319 updates tax rules for new or renovated properties in designated areas. It allows county commissioners to use a special formula for up to five years after construction to partially or fully exclude new property value from taxes, but this applies only to specific qualifying properties like new industrial buildings ($30k+ value), affordable housing (meeting income rent limits), or commercial renovations ($30k+ value). The law explicitly excludes properties within tax increment financing districts from this tax relief. After five years, these properties must be taxed at standard rates like other properties. This directly affects developers and property owners building qualifying structures in eligible zones.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 requires online betting platforms offering pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog races to obtain a specific license from South Dakota. It clarifies that both in-state operators (with a physical presence) and out-of-state operators must pay a tax of 1.5% on South Dakota contributions, while multi-jurisdictional hubs pay 0.25% (with portions going to racing and breeding funds). The bill specifies that tax revenue will fund the state, a special racing revolving fund, and a South Dakota-bred racing fund. This applies only to online wagering for authorized horse and dog races, updating existing tax and licensing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows distilleries (both within and outside South Dakota) to ship distilled spirits directly to consumers in the state, subject to specific rules. Distilleries must obtain a license ($100 fee), verify customers are 21+ using photo ID or a verification service, and record customer details before shipping. It limits shipments to 12 liters per customer annually and 60,000 liters total per distillery per year. Violations - such as shipping without age verification or exceeding limits - result in civil penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 exempts sales and use taxes on data center equipment and software for businesses operating qualified data centers in South Dakota. It specifically covers servers, cooling systems, power infrastructure, security systems, and related technology used in facilities meeting strict criteria (e.g., built between 2026-2036, meeting fire safety standards). Qualified businesses must verify eligibility with the Department of Revenue and maintain compliance with electric utility agreements and water usage requirements. The tax exemption lasts 50 years from the facility's construction permit date. This directly affects data center operators seeking to reduce operational costs in South Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1093 creates a new "small-batch winery" license in South Dakota for producers making limited quantities of wine. It sets specific requirements: producers must use at least 50% locally grown agricultural materials, limit annual production to 3,750 gallons, and pay a $500 license fee. The bill allows these wineries to sell directly on-site and to other licensed producers (like distillers or breweries) for use in manufacturing, while requiring verification of local ingredient sourcing. This license is distinct from existing "farm winery" licenses, which have higher production limits (150,000 gallons annually). The bill directly affects small-scale winery operators seeking to produce and sell wine under these defined parameters.

Maddy summaryHB 1130 establishes specific permissible dates for municipal and school district elections in South Dakota. The bill directly affects local governments and school districts by setting the allowable timeframes when these elections can be held. It requires election officials to schedule votes within the newly defined date ranges rather than allowing flexible timing. This change standardizes election scheduling across the state to ensure consistency in local governance processes.