John Sjaarda
Born
1976
Contact
Email · John.Sjaarda@sdlegislature.gov
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66
Bills sponsored
this session · 224 all-time
0
Bills co-sponsored
this session · 0 all-time
—
Enacted into law
counting…
1864
Recorded votes
99%
Vote participation
voted in 99% of 1864 recorded votes
Voting scorecard
71 session · computed from recorded roll-call votes
Party unity
79.8%
based on 428 votes
Votes with own party's majority
Independence
20.2%
based on 428 votes
Votes against own party's majority
Participation
99.1%
based on 428 votes
Roll calls where a yes/no was cast
Sponsored (introduced)
224 billsCurrent session 66 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 8013 recognizing the Agricultural Issues team of the West Central FFA chapter and celebrating their first-place victory in the state competition and their journey to nationals. Introduced
- SB 114 provide for the publication of ballot images and the cast vote record of automatic tabulating equipment. Signed
- HB 1275 create requirements for age verification and parental consent for application stores and to provide a penalty therefor. In Committee
- HB 1224 protect persons from discrimination by financial institutions. In Committee
- SB 164 require that any holder of a commercial driver license in this state must be proficient in the English language, and to provide a penalty therefor. Signed
- SB 124 temporarily prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any product containing cell-cultured protein, and to provide a penalty therefor. Signed
- HB 1217 limit the use of taxpayer funds and resources by a public education employer to support a labor organization or affiliate and to provide a penalty therefor. 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 1118 make an appropriation for the design and construction of an addition to the existing swine wean-to-finish barn at South Dakota State University and to declare an emergency. Signed
- HB 1056 require that the Department of Social Services submit a federal waiver request to exclude soft drinks from the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Signed
- HB 1121 expand the locations at which raw milk may be purchased for personal use by a consumer. In Committee
- HB 1061 require the acceptance of cash as payment in certain transactions. In Committee
- HCR 6004 encouraging the use of physical cash in transactions. In Committee
- SCR 602 celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan. Introduced
- HB 1141 provide an additional means of determining the purchase price of a used motor vehicle acquired by gift or other transfer. 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 1168 provide a property tax credit for the payment of nonpublic school tuition. In Committee
- SB 142 amend the requirements for filing certain campaign finance disclosure statements. Signed
- 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
- HB 1059 increase the amounts required in a motor vehicle liability policy. In Committee
- HJR 5002 proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, repealing the requirement to provide expanded medicaid. Failed
- HB 1269 require that manufacturers of agricultural equipment allow an independent repair provider or an owner to make certain repairs to agricultural equipment. 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 1030 amend provisions pertaining to the timing of municipal elections. Signed
Historical 158 bills
- SB 146 revise provisions on interim transfers and appropriations. Signed
- SB 68 require an individual be a citizen of the United States before being eligible to vote and to provide a penalty therefor. Signed
- 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
- HB 1063 revise the provisions for preparing a fiscal note for ballot questions. Signed
- HC 8023 Honoring Glenn Muller of Davis, selected as the 2025 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year by the Agribusiness Division of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. Died
- 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. 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
- HB 1217 require customer consent for installation of a smart meter for a utility service. Died
- HB 1152 prohibit the enforcement and implementation of directives from intergovernmental organizations, and to provide a penalty therefor. Died
- HB 1176 provide that equine dental maintenance not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine. Died
- HCR 6003 To provide for an interim study regarding property tax reduction and preservation of the American dream to own a home. 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
- SB 190 provide school choice through an education tax credit. Died
- HB 1044 authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes. Signed
- HB 1239 revise certain provisions related to the restriction of access to obscene materials in a public library or public school library. Signed
- SB 191 limit annual valuation increases on owner-occupied single-family dwellings and provide an exception for mill rate limitations on taxing districts. Died
- HCR 6004 Affirming the state's rejection of carbon dioxide pipelines and urging President Donald Trump to avoid interfering with the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon dioxide pipeline through exercise of federal eminent domain powers. Died
- SB 50 prohibit the use of drones for purposes of assessing real property for taxation, and to provide a penalty therefor. Failed
- SJR 506 Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting to a flat rate the real property taxes. Died
- SB 133 repeal enforcement provisions and modify requirements related to the fluoridation of public water supplies. Died
- HB 1185 provide that public moneys for education may not be used for lobbying purposes. Failed
- HB 1169 modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment. Signed
- HB 1121 revise passenger limits for holders of restricted minor's driving permits. Died
- SB 141 distinguish between new construction and improvements to existing structures for purposes of calculating increases in revenue payable from property taxes. Died
- SB 145 require legislative approval of real property leases that are necessary for the operation of state government and exceed specified durations or rental payments. Signed
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 |
Nay | pass | March 12, 2026 |
|
SB 78
revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | 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 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 |
Nay | pass | March 11, 2026 |
|
SB 78
revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | pass | March 11, 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 11, 2026 |
|
HB 1200
make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations.
Conference Committee Report adopted |
Yea | pass | March 11, 2026 |
|
HB 1139
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.
Tabled |
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 |
Nay | 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 120
make an appropriation for the economic development of South Dakota.
Do Pass |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 39
revise provisions relating to industrial hemp.
Do Pass Amended |
Yea | pass | March 05, 2026 |
|
SB 106
modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs.
Do Pass Amended |
Nay | 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 |
Nay | pass | March 05, 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 05, 2026 |
|
SB 222
make an appropriation for eligible water, wastewater, storm water, and riparian buffer initiative projects and to declare an emergency.
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 102
modify the distribution of gaming revenues.
Do Pass |
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 119
create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto.
Do Pass Amended |
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 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 04, 2026 |