Karla Lems
Contact
Email · Karla.Lems@sdlegislature.gov
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26
Bills sponsored
this session · 131 all-time
0
Bills co-sponsored
this session · 0 all-time
9
Enacted into law
this session · 31 all-time
2033
Recorded votes
100%
Vote participation
voted in 100% of 2033 recorded votes
Voting scorecard
71 session · computed from recorded roll-call votes
Party unity
85.3%
based on 480 votes
Votes with own party's majority
Independence
14.7%
based on 480 votes
Votes against own party's majority
Participation
100%
based on 480 votes
Roll calls where a yes/no was cast
Sponsored (introduced)
131 billsCurrent session 26 bills
- SC 824 honoring the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawks boys wrestling team. Introduced
- SC 823 honoring the achievements of Canton C-Hawks wrestling team coach Jeremy Ask. Introduced
- SC 819 honoring the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team. Introduced
- SC 817 honoring the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team. Introduced
- SB 114 provide for the publication of ballot images and the cast vote record of automatic tabulating equipment. Signed
- HB 1224 protect persons from discrimination by financial institutions. In Committee
- HB 1064 provide for the sale of producer-raised meat and meat food products directly to consumers pending legalization under federal law. Signed
- HB 1121 expand the locations at which raw milk may be purchased for personal use by a consumer. In Committee
- SB 1 amend the process by which moneys are distributed from the employer's investment in South Dakota's future fund. In Committee
- HB 1102 reschedule the date for filing certain annual reports. Signed
- HB 1222 prohibit members of the Board of Economic Development from having any interest in moneys from or approved by the Board of Economic Development. In Committee
- HB 1221 establish a post-employment restriction for employees of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and create a penalty therefor. In Committee
- HB 1004 authorize the recall of county commissioners. In Committee
- HB 1057 prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any product containing cell-cultured protein, and to provide a penalty therefor. In Committee
- HB 1077 consider a cultivated-protein food product to be adulterated food. Vetoed
- HJR 5001 proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring a declaration of necessity and clarifying public use of private property taken or damaged by eminent domain. In Committee
- SB 91 clarify the procedure for petitioning a board of county commissioners for a change to the comprehensive plan or zoning ordinances. Signed
- HB 1037 exempt active-duty members of the armed forces of the United States and veterans from paying a resident fishing license fee. In Committee
- SB 195 repeal the expiration of a reduction in certain gross receipts and use tax rates. Failed
- HB 1230 modify requirements for payment of the employer's investment in South Dakota's future fee. Failed
- SB 84 increase thresholds for the value of and eligibility for the partners in education scholarship. Signed
- SB 135 protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers and clarify authority to regulate data centers. Signed
- SB 88 clarify the procedure for a potential condemnor to examine real property absent the property owner's permission. Signed
- HB 1116 prohibit a video streaming service from transmitting certain advertising during children's programming and provide a penalty therefor. In Committee
- HC 8023 honoring the legacy and strength of grandmothers in this state. Introduced
Historical 105 bills
- SC 820 Honoring the 2024-2025 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team for its outstanding accomplishments. Died
- HCR 6010 Encouraging the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council to establish an interim legislative committee on preserving and protecting the Black Hills of South Dakota. Died
- HB 1190 require an ownership disclosure for any non-individual entity that exercises eminent domain. Died
- HB 1205 require legislative approval of real property leases that are necessary for the operation of state government and exceed specified durations or rental payments. Died
- HB 1191 subject advertising services to a gross receipts tax, and to allocate proceeds to property tax relief. Died
- HB 1169 modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment. Signed
- HB 1186 provide for the revision and eventual repeal of the employer's investment in South Dakota's future fee. Failed
- SB 124 establish the Incarceration Task Force. Died
- HC 8017 Honoring the Canton C-Hawks boys wrestling team. Died
- SB 204 prohibit the expenditure of certain funds appropriated for purposes related to the construction of a prison facility. Died
- HB 1052 prohibit the exercise of eminent domain for a pipeline that carries carbon oxide. Signed
- HB 1062 amend provisions pertaining to the maintenance and publication of the statewide voter registration file. Signed
- HB 1053 require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors, and to provide a penalty therefor. Signed
- HB 1184 amend the deadline for filing a petition to initiate a measure or constitutional amendment. Signed
- HJR 5006 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring an intervening general election before consideration of an initiated constitutional amendment or initiated measure having the same subject as a previously rejected initiated amendment or measure. Died
- HB 1243 require an ownership disclosure for any non-individual entity that exercises eminent domain. Died
- HB 1228 require an environmental impact statement from applicants seeking a carbon dioxide transmission facility permit from the Public Utilities Commission of the State of South Dakota. Failed
- HC 8008 Recognizing Scouting America Day at the Capitol and celebrating Scouting America on the occasion of its one hundred fifteenth anniversary. Died
- HB 1204 revise the subpoena powers of the Government Operations and Audit Committee. Died
- SCR 608 To provide for an interim study to examine the South Dakota criminal justice system with a focus on substance abuse, mental health issues, and corrections. Died
- HJR 5007 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election a law transfer the state accounting system from the Bureau of Finance and Management to the state auditor and amend provisions pertaining to the Bureau of Finance and Management. Died
- HCR 6004 Affirming the Legislature's support and commitment of the State of Israel. Died
- HCR 6008 Opposing an initiated measure to place the right to an abortion in the Constitution of South Dakota. Died
- HB 1243 extend deadlines for action by the Public Utilities Commission upon the request of any party. Died
- HB 1108 permit an individual to change enrollment in a medicare supplement policy. Died
Voting record
Current session 50 votes
| Bill | Vote | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB 1077
consider a cultivated-protein food product to be adulterated food.
Veto override |
Yea | fail | March 30, 2026 |
|
HB 1138
require the licensure of non-medical home care agencies, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Veto override |
Nay | pass | March 30, 2026 |
|
SB 121
transfer moneys and make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway and to declare an emergency.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 30, 2026 |
|
HB 1326
appropriate money for the ordinary expenses of the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of the state, the current expenses of state institutions, interest on the public debt, and common schools.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 12, 2026 |
|
SB 78
revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 12, 2026 |
|
HB 1051
revise property tax levies for school districts and to revise the state aid to general and special education formulas.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 12, 2026 |
|
HB 1200
make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2026 |
|
SB 74
transfer moneys to the general fund from the budget reserve fund and the general revenue replacement fund, and to declare an emergency.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2026 |
|
HB 1274
prohibit the dispensing, distribution, sale, or advertisement of certain articles or things for purposes of an unlawful abortion and provide a criminal and civil penalty therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
HB 1038
allow the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers that are customers of public utilities.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
HB 1220
regulate the sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
HB 1320
revise a provision related to service of process for boards of county commissioners.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
HB 1323
modify the requirements to refer an ordinance or resolution to the voters of a political subdivision.
Failed to concur, no committee appointed |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
HB 1215
authorize counties and municipalities to issue a license for a cigar bar.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 245
create the homeowner property tax reduction fund, and to transfer moneys to the homeowner property tax reduction fund.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 74
transfer moneys to the general fund from the budget reserve fund and the general revenue replacement fund, and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 244
address issues facing South Dakota.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1209
require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor.
Failed to concur, appoint Conference Committee |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 222
make an appropriation for eligible water, wastewater, storm water, and riparian buffer initiative projects and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 106
modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 119
create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 121
transfer moneys and make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 221
regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1200
make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations.
Failed to concur, appoint Conference Committee |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 102
modify the distribution of gaming revenues.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 219
require that a state agency consult with the Aeronautics Commission prior to purchasing, transferring, or disposing of a state owned and operated aircraft.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 120
make an appropriation for the economic development of South Dakota.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 204
revise certain criteria for loans from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 135
protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers and clarify authority to regulate data centers.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 39
revise provisions relating to industrial hemp.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 179
permit a court to commit a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for certain weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 159
revise requirements pertaining to the minimum age for marriage.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 76
authorize loans from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund for airport infrastructure.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 198
restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | fail | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 96
authorize the imposition of a county option gross receipts tax to reduce owner-occupied property taxes.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 171
amend provisions pertaining to the processing of absentee ballots and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 107
add licensed and registered child care programs to the definition of community safety zone.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 40
revise the compliance requirements for limitations on foreign ownership of agricultural land.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
HB 1102
reschedule the date for filing certain annual reports.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 175
require that an individual provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
HB 1194
clarify authority for the Cosmetology Commission to credit work experience for educational hours for certain out-of-state licensure applicants, and to require the commission to promulgate rules therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 124
temporarily prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any product containing cell-cultured protein, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 151
require the publication of the results of an election for precinct committeeman or committeewoman and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 136
make an appropriation for grants to support the purchase of personal protective equipment by volunteer fire departments and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 44
establish investigative subpoena authority to gather business records in certain investigations.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 3
limit the types of residential improvements for which counties, municipalities, and townships may require a permit.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 79
make an appropriation to the South Dakota Board of Technical Education to construct an advanced manufacturing laboratory space and classrooms on the campus of Southeast Technical College and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 220
authorize a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential facilities, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | fail | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 198
restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |
|
SB 69
make an appropriation for the purchase of a new Division of Highway Patrol airplane and mission equipment and to declare an emergency.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |