Rep. Jon Hansen

Maddy summarySB 195 repeals the scheduled expiration of reduced gross receipts and use tax rates established in 2023. It prevents these tax rate reductions from reverting to prior rates after June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects businesses in South Dakota that pay these specific taxes, ensuring the lower rates remain in effect without requiring new legislation. This is a procedural change to maintain existing tax policy, not a new tax rate adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 1121 expands where South Dakota consumers can legally purchase raw milk for personal use. It adds a new allowed location: retail stores owned by the milk producer, provided these stores are not located at the farm where the milk is produced. Currently, raw milk could only be bought directly at the farm, at farmers markets, or at a producer-owned store located on the farm. The bill specifically allows producer-owned retail stores (not at the farm) to sell raw milk directly to consumers.

Maddy summarySB 2 amends South Dakota law to clarify that firearm silencers (devices reducing gunshot noise) are not classified as "controlled weapons." This change removes silencers from the category of weapons subject to strict state regulations, such as special permits or licensing requirements. The bill directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and sellers of silencers in South Dakota by eliminating these regulatory barriers. The key mechanism is an amendment to the definitions section of the state's criminal code (§ 22-1-2), specifically excluding silencers from the definition of "controlled weapon."

Maddy summaryHB 1203 (South Dakota) exempts active volunteer firefighters from certain motor vehicle license fees. It allows qualifying residents to apply for a fee exemption on one noncommercial vehicle (car, truck, or van) by submitting a fire department chief’s certification confirming their active volunteer status. The exemption must be renewed annually and does not cover excise tax on vehicle purchases or specialty plate costs. This directly affects South Dakota volunteer firefighters seeking to reduce vehicle registration expenses.

Maddy summarySB 84 increases the income threshold for students to qualify for South Dakota's Partners in Education scholarship program. It raises the initial income requirement from 152% to a higher percentage of the national free/reduced-price lunch income standard (currently 152% for initial eligibility), directly affecting low-income students seeking tuition assistance at participating nonpublic schools. The bill maintains that students who qualify initially remain eligible for three years or until high school graduation without income checks, but must later meet a 250% income threshold to renew. This change expands access to the scholarship program by allowing more households to qualify under the new higher income cap.

Maddy summarySB 56 requires South Dakota state agencies to publish proposed permanent rules and key supporting documents - such as fiscal notes, small business impact statements, and public hearing notices - on a central state website at least 20 days before a public hearing. After the hearing, agencies must also post final rule details, hearing minutes, written comments, and corrected rule texts on the same website. This applies to all agencies creating new permanent rules and aims to increase public access to the rulemaking process. The website must be designated by the Governor and maintained by the executive department, streamlining transparency without altering rule content.

Maddy summarySB 57 clarifies the financial information state agencies must submit when proposing a rule that increases a fee. It specifies that agencies must provide detailed records of their financial resources, including beginning and ending fund balances, receipts, and disbursements for the last two fiscal years, plus projected figures for the current and next fiscal year. This information must be filed with the Interim Rules Review Committee and code counsel as part of the rulemaking process before a public hearing. The requirement applies only to fee-increase proposals and does not alter other rulemaking procedures.

Maddy summarySB 85 requires South Dakota school districts to hold a voter election before implementing or increasing an "excess tax levy" (property tax increases beyond the base amount). This applies to both general fund and capital outlay tax levies, meaning school boards can no longer unilaterally approve such increases - they must now seek voter approval through a formal election. The bill mandates specific public notice requirements (e.g., newspaper ads or mailed notices) and allows voters to petition for an election if 5% of registered voters sign a petition. The election must be held by October 1st of the year prior to tax payment, ensuring taxpayers have a direct say in local property tax changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HC 8004) is a symbolic honor recognizing the St. Mary’s High School Cardinals football team for winning the 2025 Class 9B state championship. It commemorates their undefeated season, including a 54-6 victory over Avon, and highlights individual player awards and team leadership. The bill contains no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely serves to formally celebrate the team’s achievement through a legislative resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 1256 requires candidates and ballot question proponents in South Dakota to include specific information on their nominating or petition documents. The bill mandates that these documents contain details such as the candidate's or measure's position on key issues, funding sources, and any relevant disclosures. This change directly affects political candidates and groups seeking to place measures on the ballot by standardizing the information voters receive during the petition process. The legislation aims to increase transparency in the petitioning phase of elections without altering the fundamental rules of candidacy or ballot access.