Sen. Larry Zikmund

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 87 ensures counties cover the full cost of forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault or rape, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for victims. The bill specifies covered costs include physician services, necessary tests (like STD screenings and pregnancy tests), supplies, and medications, with payments capped at Medicaid rates. It allows minors aged 16+ to consent to exams without parental permission and permits exams for protected persons without guardian consent, provided informed consent is obtained. Hospitals and clinics cannot bill victims beyond these Medicaid-based limits, and must notify victims of their no-cost access regardless of cooperation with law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 1279 permits technical college employees in South Dakota to join the state health plan, directly affecting permanent staff working 20+ hours weekly at least six months yearly. The bill requires the technical college’s local education agency (LEA) to pay equivalent monthly contributions instead of the state, and removes previous restrictions preventing these employees from enrolling. Key provisions include defining "technical college employee" and ensuring LEAs cover the same cost as the state does for other plan-eligible employees. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, and applies only to technical college staff, not other state workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team for their athletic achievements. It officially recognizes the team's success, including winning the Region 2 tournament for the second consecutive year and having thirteen wrestlers qualify for the state tournament. The resolution specifically acknowledges individual accomplishments, noting that two wrestlers won state championships and all qualifiers won their placement round matches. The bill also credits the coaching staff for their leadership and support of the team.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that recognizes the historical significance of the buffalo to Native American tribes in South Dakota and celebrates their return to tribal lands. It acknowledges the near extinction of buffalo in the 19th century and highlights the current efforts by tribal nations, conservation groups, and community partners to restore the species. The resolution emphasizes the cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance of buffalo restoration for future generations. This type of bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves to formally acknowledge and honor a significant cultural and environmental milestone.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Dave Bonde for his exemplary service to South Dakota. It directly affects the state legislature by formally recognizing his contributions in two key roles: as executive director of the Fort Pierre Development Corporation and as sergeant-at-arms of the South Dakota Senate. The bill highlights his work in supporting local businesses, attracting investment, promoting sustainable development, and facilitating community events in central South Dakota. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges past achievements rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that formally honors the legacy and strength of grandmothers in South Dakota. It recognizes their vital roles as caregivers, cultural leaders, and community pillars across diverse backgrounds including tribal traditions. The resolution acknowledges the sacrifices grandmothers make in raising families and preserving cultural heritage without granting any new laws or funding. This symbolic measure serves to publicly acknowledge their contributions rather than enact policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 220 directs South Dakota's Department of Corrections to conduct a study evaluating juvenile correctional and residential facilities. The study must examine best practices, therapeutic housing models, vocational training combined with mental health services, and staff-to-youth ratios, including inspections at three facilities outside South Dakota. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to cover study costs and requires a written report to the Legislative Research Council by September 1, 2026. This is a procedural study bill with no direct policy changes or new requirements for facilities, solely aimed at gathering information for future decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 requires South Dakota's Department of Social Services to submit a federal waiver request by September 1, 2026, to exclude soft drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill defines "soft drink" as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages (excluding milk, milk substitutes, and approved juices) and mandates annual waiver requests if initially denied. If approved, the restriction would take effect within six months, directly affecting SNAP participants who currently purchase soft drinks with benefits. This policy change would alter eligibility under federal SNAP rules for South Dakota recipients.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for a single grant to a statewide food distribution organization. This organization must distribute food to all counties across South Dakota, with at least $1.5 million of the grant required to purchase food directly from local South Dakota farmers and producers. The bill mandates annual reports detailing grant spending, types/amounts of food purchased, and distribution to food pantries, to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture until the full grant is expended. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and is intended to support food pantries statewide while prioritizing local agricultural purchases.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's Senate Joint Resolution 502 is a state application to the U.S. Congress seeking to trigger a constitutional convention under Article V. It requests Congress call a convention specifically to propose an amendment fixing the U.S. Supreme Court's composition at one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This resolution does not change the Court's current size (nine justices total) but formally asks Congress to begin the process for a constitutional amendment. The application is a procedural step intended to be part of a broader effort requiring support from two-thirds of state legislatures to proceed.