Jim Mehlhaff
Born
1965
Contact
Email · Jim.Mehlhaff@sdlegislature.gov
Reaching Jim Mehlhaff? Do it at scale.
Run a one-click campaign that sends personalized messages from your whole list — with the highest deliverability in the category.
30
Bills sponsored
this session · 194 all-time
0
Bills co-sponsored
this session · 0 all-time
—
Enacted into law
counting…
2125
Recorded votes
98%
Vote participation
voted in 98% of 2125 recorded votes
Voting scorecard
71 session · computed from recorded roll-call votes
Party unity
94.2%
based on 502 votes
Votes with own party's majority
Independence
5.8%
based on 502 votes
Votes against own party's majority
Participation
96.7%
based on 502 votes
Roll calls where a yes/no was cast
Sponsored (introduced)
194 billsCurrent session 30 bills
- SB 136 make an appropriation for grants to support the purchase of personal protective equipment by volunteer fire departments and to declare an emergency. Signed
- HC 8019 honoring Dr. Kelly Glodt upon his retirement as superintendent of the Pierre School District. Introduced
- SC 822 honoring TKO’s Custom Catering and Capitol Cafe for outstanding service. Introduced
- SB 98 prevent virtual currency kiosk fraud. Signed
- SC 818 commending Grey Zabel for his achievements as a member of the 2026 Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks. Introduced
- SB 93 prohibit certain state officers or employees from being employed by an organization that was the recipient of a contract awarded on behalf of a state agency for a period of time. In Committee
- SB 113 increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion. Signed
- SJR 508 proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, removing the lieutenant governor as presiding officer of the Senate. Passed
- HB 1196 provide for the participation of delegates from this state in an Article V convention, and to provide a penalty therefor. In Committee
- HB 1058 require licensure for online pari-mutuel wagering pools for horse and dog races, and clarify the application of tax therefor. Signed
- SB 3 limit the types of residential improvements for which counties, municipalities, and townships may require a permit. Signed
- HB 1093 create small-batch alcohol licenses. In Committee
- SCR 602 celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan. Introduced
- SB 201 authorize the use of a drone for the location and recovery of mortally wounded deer and elk and to provide a penalty therefor. In Committee
- HB 1080 allow a business owner who is a veteran to display military specialty plates on a noncommercial vehicle registered to the veteran's business and to limit personal liability to the business owner and veteran. Signed
- HB 1153 protect certain rights of healthcare providers. In Committee
- SB 99 create the property tax local effort replacement fund, to reduce certain property taxes, and to increase the rates for certain gross receipts taxes and use taxes. In Committee
- SB 218 provide for the establishment of charter schools. In Committee
- HB 1268 repeal capital punishment. In Committee
- HB 1072 provide an appropriation for a payment for state employee salaries. In Committee
- SB 36 authorize certain utilities to establish wildfire mitigation plans and associated liability limitations for wildfire damages. Signed
- SJR 503 applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials. Passed
- HB 1034 increase fees for decals and license plates mailed to vehicle owners. Signed
- SB 2 provide that a firearm silencer is not a controlled weapon. Signed
- HB 1215 authorize counties and municipalities to issue a license for a cigar bar. Signed
Historical 164 bills
- HB 1079 increase the number of off-sale licenses from two to three in municipalities and counties of one thousand or less. Signed
- HJR 5002 Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention for proposing an amendment to the constitution establishing congressional term limits. Signed
- SJR 501 Providing legislative approval for a future use water permit application by the Western Dakota Regional Water System. Signed
- HB 1073 designate contact information provided on a voter registration form as not for public inspection. Died
- HJR 5003 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring that a constitutional amendment receive an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the votes cast before the measure is enacted. Signed
- SB 150 improve South Dakota. Died
- HB 1194 authorize the cooperation of counties for purposes of operating an office of county director of equalization. Signed
- SB 152 promote the future success and development of South Dakota. Died
- SB 151 improve the transparency and openness of state government. Died
- SB 148 provide for the economic development of South Dakota. Died
- SR 701 Confirming Tonnis H. Venhuizen, Lincoln County, South Dakota, as lieutenant governor of South Dakota pursuant to S.D. Const., Art. IV, § 6. Died
- HB 1169 modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment. Signed
- HB 1203 authorize the operation of pari-mutuel historical horse racing machines, and to authorize a new tax. Died
- SCR 602 Celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan. Died
- SB 147 promote and enhance the greatness of South Dakota. Failed
- HB 1141 provide an exception for employers to acquire and distribute opioid antagonists that are available over the counter. Signed
- SB 85 provide property tax relief to certain senior owners of owner-occupied single-family dwellings. Died
- SB 119 repeal capital punishment. Died
- SB 74 require the publication and review of an explanation of the open meeting laws of this state. Signed
- HC 8015 Honoring the 2025 South Dakota Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year finalists. Died
- SB 81 prohibit the use of a firearms code for transactions involving firearms, accessories, components, and ammunition and to provide a civil penalty therefor. Signed
- SB 13 clarify the enactment and effective date of a measure initiated or referred within a political subdivision. Signed
- HB 1093 modify the permissible dates for a school district bond election. Signed
- SB 106 require an individual be registered as a voter of this state before being eligible to be a petition sponsor for a ballot measure. Signed
- HB 1053 require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors, and to provide a penalty therefor. Signed
Voting record
Current session 50 votes
| Bill | Vote | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SB 6
reduce the duration of an individual's reemployment benefits.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | February 19, 2026 |
|
SB 128
update provisions related to certain large-use customers of utilities.
Deferred to the 41st legislative day |
Yea | pass | February 18, 2026 |
|
SB 39
revise provisions relating to industrial hemp.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | January 23, 2026 |
|
SB 245
create the homeowner property tax reduction fund, and to transfer moneys to the homeowner property tax reduction fund.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2026 |
|
HB 1209
require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor.
Conference Committee report not adopted, no committee appointed |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2026 |
|
HB 1209
require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor.
Reconsidered |
Nay | fail | March 11, 2026 |
|
SB 221
regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 159
revise requirements pertaining to the minimum age for marriage.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 119
create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 106
modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 39
revise provisions relating to industrial hemp.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 171
amend provisions pertaining to the processing of absentee ballots and to declare an emergency.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
SB 135
protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers and clarify authority to regulate data centers.
Concurred in amendments |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2026 |
|
HB 1082
establish parameters for the reimbursement of school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1249
amend provisions pertaining to the School Finance Accountability Board, and the process by which a recommendation of the board is approved.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 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.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1303
promote the future success and development of South Dakota.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1253
adjust the assessment methodology for owner-occupied single-family dwellings and nonagricultural property.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | fail | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1184
define man and woman throughout the state.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1149
adopt the athletic trainer licensure compact.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1082
establish parameters for the reimbursement of school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Nay | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1135
make an appropriation to enhance the economic health of South Dakota.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1215
authorize counties and municipalities to issue a license for a cigar bar.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1176
clarify bond or pre-trial release upon sobriety program participation.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Nay | fail | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1148
adopt the respiratory care interstate compact.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1302
address issues facing South Dakota.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1140
permit a court to impose as a condition of probation, or parole in certain circumstances, treatment at a nonprofit entity awarded an alternative care program grant.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1038
allow the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers that are customers of public utilities.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1241
modify the requirements for public notice of a hearing prior to a vote to impose an excess tax levy, and to modify requirements to refer an excess tax levy of a school district to a vote.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | fail | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1134
make an appropriation for the economic development prosperity of South Dakota.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
SB 49
safeguard the integrity, privacy, and security of genetic data and provide a civil penalty therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1241
modify the requirements for public notice of a hearing prior to a vote to impose an excess tax levy, and to modify requirements to refer an excess tax levy of a school district to a vote.
Reconsidered |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1006
create a taskforce to study the creation of Indian medicaid managed care entities in the state.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1160
repeal the medical marijuana oversight committee.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Nay | fail | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1323
modify the requirements to refer an ordinance or resolution to the voters of a political subdivision.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1160
repeal the medical marijuana oversight committee.
Do Pass |
Nay | fail | March 09, 2026 |
|
HB 1040
revise the child support obligation schedule.
Do Pass |
Nay | fail | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 15
create the Developmental Disability Service Delivery Committee.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 131
revise the season in which a nonprofit organization may host a special pheasant hunt for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1220
regulate the sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 90
expand the information required to be sent to the prescription drug monitoring program for each registry identification card holder.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 41
revise a provision related to criminal invasions of privacy, prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated material of an identifiable individual, and provide penalties therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1138
require the licensure of non-medical home care agencies, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 132
modify provisions related to the South Dakota Veterans Council.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1045
revise certain provisions related to child support.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1108
require the sealing of court files upon dismissal or denial of a petition for a protection order.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1245
authorize municipalities to establish a local funding mechanism for capital improvement projects.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1299
permit the use of biological filtration systems in water recreational facilities located in certain lodging establishments.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 214
amend provisions pertaining to the publication of the statewide voter registration file.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
HB 1209
require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 04, 2026 |