The third week of the legislative session was a busy one. I truly appreciate the thoughtful input I continue to receive from you on a wide range of issues—it helps inform my decisions as our work intensifies. Please feel free to reach out at any time at Kaley.nolz@sdlegislature. gov.
This week, some of the bills I’d like to highlight addressed topics such as cell-cultured protein products, data centers, and firearm silencers.
HB1077 would classify certain cultivatedprotein food products as adulterated food under South Dakota law. For purposes of the bill, a “cultivated-protein food product” means a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that is derived from manufacturing cells, including processes in which stem cells that were initially isolated from an agricultural food animal are grown in vitro, and may be manipulated, as part of a manufacturing process.
This legislation reflects a commitment to safeguarding South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers, preserving consumer trust in our food system, and ensuring that unproven, laboratorygrown products are not introduced into the marketplace. South Dakotans should not be used as test subjects for experimental food products marketed as cleaner or healthier than real beef without sufficient long-term evidence. Beef is KING in SD! HB1077 passed the House by a vote of 45–22.
HB 1064 would allow for the direct-to-consumer sale of producer-raised meat and meat food products, contingent upon legalization under federal law. Under current law, consumers must purchase a whole, half, or quarter of a beef directly from a rancher. This bill would instead allow consumers to purchase individual cuts or smaller quantities — such as a few pounds of ground beef — providing greater flexibility and choice. At the same time, it keeps more revenue in the hands of local producers who raise the cattle, rather than the four major meat packers that control approximately 85% of the market and have significant influence over pricing. I was proud to co-sponsor this proactive, pro-agriculture legislation. HB 1064 passed the House floor by a vote of 48–18. HB 1038: An act authorizing the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers. This legislation ensures that costs associated with the PUC review process are paid by data centers, rather than funded through the gross receipts tax paid by South Dakota consumers. The bill is intended to ensure that, should data centers locate in South Dakota, they pay their fair share and do not impose additional financial burdens on local communities. HB 1038 passed the House floor by a vote of 60–5.
SB 2: A bill providing that a firearm silencer is not a controlled weapon. Suppressors are recognized as safety tools that offer significant benefits to hunters. This legislation brings South Dakota law into alignment with federal law. SB 2 passed both the Senate and the House without a single dissenting vote and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. As the session continues to move quickly, I remain committed to standing up for South Dakota values — supporting our farmers and agriculture producers, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring commonsense policies that put people first. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol and value your continued feedback as these and other important issues move forward. I look forward to keeping you informed on our progress in the weeks ahead.