Senate Judiciary & 10:00 AM/CT House Transportation - 2026-02-12 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a welcome and reminders for attendees to sign in and turn off cell phones. A roll call confirmed a quorum, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved without discussion. The committee considered the executive reappointment of Kurt D. Hall to the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley spoke in favor, citing Hall's extensive experience and contributions. Hall expressed gratitude and shared insights from his tenure. The committee unanimously approved the reappointment. Next, the committee discussed Senate Bill 208 regarding property tax assessment appeals. An amendment (208C) was introduced to limit attorney's fees for taxpayers to cases with a difference of at least 20% in their appeal, aimed at preventing frivolous appeals. The committee confirmed that both taxpayers and counties could recover fees under certain conditions. After discussion, the committee voted to pass the bill as amended, opting to leave it off the consent calendar for further floor discussion. The committee then addressed Senate Bill 179, which would allow courts to commit juveniles adjudicated delinquent for certain weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections (DOC). Proponents, including Senator Hohn and Deputy State's Attorney Carol James, highlighted the rising prevalence of firearm possession among juveniles and the need for early intervention. Opponents, including Tara Larson from the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, raised concerns about legality and the existing laws addressing similar issues. The meeting included discussions on the implications of the bill, statistics on juvenile firearm arrests, and the need for a proactive approach to youth firearm offenses. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill with four votes in favor and two against. The committee also discussed Senate Bill 220, proposing a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional facilities to identify best practices and improve outcomes for youth. The bill received support, emphasizing the need for effective prevention strategies. The discussion included concerns about whether the study would lead to more facilities or help reduce the number of children in them. Senate Bill 168 aimed to regulate the use of conversational AI services by minors. An amendment was introduced to address risks posed by chatbots. Concerns were raised about the bill's implications for existing applications and potential legal challenges related to compliance with federal laws. The committee decided to table the bill until the 41st day for further input. The meeting also focused on House Bill 1272, which seeks to establish a licensing and taxation framework for snow bears, a type of enclosed motorized vehicle. The bill includes a $10 annual licensing fee and a 3% excise tax on new purchases, with revenue allocated to the Game Fish and Parks fund. The committee voted to recommend the bill pass with nine votes in favor and one against. Lastly, the meeting highlighted the role of South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) in educating and informing the public, emphasizing its mission and essential services, including public safety announcements and emergency alerts. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.