Ernie Otten
Born
1954
Contact
Email · Ernie.Otten@sdlegislature.gov
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17
Bills sponsored
this session · 477 all-time
0
Bills co-sponsored
this session · 0 all-time
—
Enacted into law
counting…
4141
Recorded votes
95%
Vote participation
voted in 95% of 4141 recorded votes
Voting scorecard
71 session · computed from recorded roll-call votes
Party unity
92.5%
based on 423 votes
Votes with own party's majority
Independence
7.5%
based on 423 votes
Votes against own party's majority
Participation
99.8%
based on 423 votes
Roll calls where a yes/no was cast
Sponsored (introduced)
477 billsCurrent session 17 bills
- SC 822 honoring TKO’s Custom Catering and Capitol Cafe for outstanding service. Introduced
- HC 8012 recognizing Captain Royce Williams for his exemplary military service and bravery in combat. Introduced
- SB 119 create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto. Signed
- SB 120 make an appropriation for the economic development of South Dakota. Passed
- SCR 602 celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan. Introduced
- SC 805 commending and honoring the 2024-2025 Outstanding School Administrators of South Dakota: Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Watertown, School Superintendent; Bo Beck, Aberdeen, Middle School Principal; Connie Alspach, Dupree, School Business Official; Jay Swatek, Tea, Elementary School Principal; Kelly Messmer, Harding County, Secondary School Principal; Sherri Nelson, Brandon Valley, Curriculum Leader; and Monica Waltman, Douglas, Director of Special Education. Introduced
- SB 12 provide for a refund of property taxes in previous years for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses. Signed
- SB 97 adjust a limit on the percentage increase in revenue payable from property taxes. In Committee
- HC 8018 celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the creation of the Legislative Research Council. Introduced
- SB 217 make an appropriation for a fire management officer position within the Department of Public Safety. In Committee
- HCR 6002 honoring the life and achievements of the late Charlie Kirk. Introduced
- HB 1004 authorize the recall of county commissioners. In Committee
- SC 806 commending and honoring the 2025-2026 Outstanding School Administrators of South Dakota: David Olson, Meade, Middle School Principal; Kendra Becker, Redfield, Secondary School Principal; Richie Hutchinson, Sioux Falls, Assistant Middle School Principal; and Kay Bass, Harrisburg, Assistant Secondary School Principal. Introduced
- 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
- SB 2 provide that a firearm silencer is not a controlled weapon. Signed
- SB 121 transfer moneys and make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway and to declare an emergency. Signed
- SR 701 recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In Committee
Historical 460 bills
- SJR 505 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, establishing the trust for unclaimed property fund. 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
- SB 176 clarify the discovery procedures and powers and to modify the administration of the Government Operations and Audit Committee. Signed
- 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 137 make an appropriation for the economic development of South Dakota. Died
- SB 71 revise provisions pertaining to the compulsory age for school attendance. Signed
- SB 138 make an appropriation for developing the economic viability of South Dakota. Died
- SC 804 Honoring the 2023-2024 Outstanding School Administrators of South Dakota: Todd Foster, Brookings Middle School Principal; Dr. Julie Hatling, Belle Fourche Elementary School Principal; Camille Kaul, Aberdeen Curriculum Leader; Jason Kolousek, Wessington Springs Secondary School Principal; Kristi Lewis, Chester School Business Official; Mark Naugle, Custer School Superintendent; Amanda Olinger, Harrisburg Assistant Middle School Principal; and Laura Welch, Lennox Director of Special Education. Died
- SCR 602 Celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan. Died
- SB 155 reduce the amount of net receipts of unclaimed property deposited into the general fund. Signed
- HB 1141 provide an exception for employers to acquire and distribute opioid antagonists that are available over the counter. Signed
- HC 8011 Commending and honoring the Tea Area School Board as the Associated School Boards of South Dakota 2024 Outstanding School Board award recipient. Died
- HB 1019 eliminate certain property taxes levied on owner-occupied single-family dwellings, and to increase certain gross receipts tax rates and use tax rates. Died
- HB 1080 void covenants that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of firearms and ammunition. Signed
- SB 13 clarify the enactment and effective date of a measure initiated or referred within a political subdivision. Signed
- SB 7 prohibit the adoption or implementation of certain policies related to immigration enforcement. Signed
- SJR 502 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. Died
- HJR 5001 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, conditioning the requirement of expanded Medicaid on the level of federal medical assistance. Signed
- SJR 503 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, clarifying that an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible to vote. Signed
- HB 1010 require cost model reports for certain programs and institutions. Died
- SCR 601 Supporting the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 12 to honor the late Helen Miller. Died
- SB 136 make an appropriation to enhance the economic health of South Dakota. Died
- SB 79 permit the operation of a Class I electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail. Signed
- HCR 6004 Affirming the Legislature's support and commitment of the State of Israel. Died
Voting record
Historical 50 votes
| Bill | Vote | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB 1169
modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment.
Veto override |
Nay | fail | March 31, 2025 |
|
SB 55
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 13, 2025 |
|
HB 1046
revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 13, 2025 |
|
HB 1218
address the imposition of firearm restrictions on certain employees, officers, volunteers, and other individuals.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 12, 2025 |
|
SB 68
require an individual be a citizen of the United States before being eligible to vote and to provide a penalty therefor.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 12, 2025 |
|
SB 113
provide protections for parental rights.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 12, 2025 |
|
SB 55
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 11, 2025 |
|
HB 1046
revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2025 |
|
SB 73
require that an individual registering as a voter when applying for a driver license be a resident of this state for the purposes of voting.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2025 |
|
SB 189
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 for common schools.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2025 |
|
SB 220
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 11, 2025 |
|
SB 14
revise and repeal provisions related to agricultural production facilities and to provide a penalty therefor.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2025 |
|
SB 216
reduce the growth in the assessed value of owner-occupied property, limit increases in certain property tax revenues, revise provisions regarding school district excess tax levies, and revise eligibility requirements for a property tax assessment freeze.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2025 |
|
SB 6
authorize a loan from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund to a school district adjoining a federal military installation for the construction or expansion of a school building.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2025 |
|
HB 1208
designate an individual using the address of a mail forwarding service or post office box when applying to register as a voter or vote by absentee ballot as a federal voter.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
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.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1239
revise certain provisions related to the restriction of access to obscene materials in a public library or public school library.
Motion to amend |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1235
reduce a limit on the annual increases of property tax revenues payable to certain taxing districts, and to subject school districts to a limit on property taxes collected in a year.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | fail | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1007
prohibit use of the South Dakota public utilities commission gross receipts tax fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by the Public Utilities Commission.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1130
provide permissible dates for municipal and school district elections.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1218
address the imposition of firearm restrictions on certain employees, officers, volunteers, and other individuals.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1066
revise residency requirements for the purposes of voter registration.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1249
protect landowners from the use of deception, fraud, harassment, intimidation, misrepresentation, or threat, in acquiring easements or easement options.
Reconsidered |
Nay | fail | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1062
amend provisions pertaining to the maintenance and publication of the statewide voter registration file.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1005
modify the requirement for payment of a private home study by the Department of Social Services.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1135
provide opportunities for treatment courts for South Dakotans, create a workgroup to study rehabilitation programs, and declare an emergency.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1245
exempt from the state sales and use tax gross receipts for certain services to a partnership.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1184
amend the deadline for filing a petition to initiate a measure or constitutional amendment.
Do Pass |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1169
modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1239
revise certain provisions related to the restriction of access to obscene materials in a public library or public school library.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1259
prohibit unauthorized access to certain multi-occupancy rooms.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1130
provide permissible dates for municipal and school district elections.
Do Pass |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1165
provide a means by which an agricultural producer may request an automatic refund of an assessment on crops.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | fail | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1242
limit the amount of money that a political action committee may accept from an authorized committee of a candidate for federal office.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1256
require the inclusion of certain information on a candidate's nominating petition or on a ballot question petition.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1249
protect landowners from the use of deception, fraud, harassment, intimidation, misrepresentation, or threat, in acquiring easements or easement options.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1039
amend the programs reimbursing a teacher or school counselor for earning national board certification.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1062
amend provisions pertaining to the maintenance and publication of the statewide voter registration file.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Nay | pass | March 10, 2025 |
|
HB 1040
reduce the state's contribution to a subsidized high school dual credit program.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1174
revise certain provisions related to the rights and obligations of a father of a child born to an unmarried mother.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HCR 6009
Requesting the attorney general to file a lawsuit against the People's Republic of China and related parties to seek damages related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Concurred in Resolution |
Nay | fail | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1061
prohibit a health care provider from restricting or denying a parent or guardian's access to certain medical records and other health information of a minor.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1204
revise the subpoena powers of the Government Operations and Audit Committee.
Tabled |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HCR 6003
To provide for an interim study regarding property tax reduction and preservation of the American dream to own a home.
Concurred in Resolution |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
SB 176
clarify the discovery procedures and powers and to modify the administration of the Government Operations and Audit Committee.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
SB 75
require an indication of United States citizenship status on a motor vehicle operator's license or permit, and on a nondriver identification card.
Concurred in amendments |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1116
repeal a reporting requirement regarding industrial hemp.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1039
amend the programs reimbursing a teacher or school counselor for earning national board certification.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1040
reduce the state's contribution to a subsidized high school dual credit program.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 |
Yea | pass | March 06, 2025 |
|
HB 1008
include a hybrid facility as a facility to be regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2025 |