Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · South Dakota
Votes with Republicans
73%
on 86 party-line votes · Senate Republicans median 76%
Cast a vote
97%
Yea or Nay on 531 of 548 roll calls · Senate median 98%
Their bills that became law
1 of 10
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 3
Roll calls on record
548
2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 11, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 2026 Regular Session.
How Jim Mehlhaff votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Jim Mehlhaff sits in the Senate
Each dot is one member of the Senate, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Jim Mehlhaff is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
23 of 86 party-line votes, most recent 10 shown.
SB193 · Clarify the definition of backup electric generation.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-23 · Failed 17–17 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB193 · Clarify the definition of backup electric generation.
Reconsidered · 2026-02-23 · Failed 17–17 · most Republicans voted the other way
SJR507 · Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to state law to reduce certain property taxes for owner-occupied property, and to increase the rates for certain gross receipts taxes and use taxes.
Deferred to the 41st legislative day · 2026-02-23 · Passed 5–4 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB193 · Clarify the definition of backup electric generation.
Do Pass · 2026-02-20 · Failed 17–17 · most Republicans voted the other way
SJR505 · Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting the assessed value of real property and limiting real property taxes.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-20 · Failed 4–4 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB150 · Exempt one motor vehicle of a debtor from being taken by legal process.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-19 · Failed 15–19 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB175 · Require that an individual provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote and to declare an emergency.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 · 2026-02-19 · Passed 28–6 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB234 · Modify provisions pertaining to the purchasing of goods and services related to data center operations.
Deferred to the 41st legislative day · 2026-02-18 · Passed 5–4 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB235 · Protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers, to clarify authority to regulate data centers, and to modify provisions pertaining to the purchasing of goods and services by a data center.
Deferred to the 41st legislative day · 2026-02-18 · Passed 5–4 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB235 · Protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers, to clarify authority to regulate data centers, and to modify provisions pertaining to the purchasing of goods and services by a data center.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-18 · Failed 4–5 · most Republicans voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
HB1160 · Repeal the medical marijuana oversight committee.
Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 · 2026-03-09 · Failed 17–17
HB1241 · 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 · 2026-03-09 · Failed 17–17
HB1040 · Revise the child support obligation schedule.
Do Pass · 2026-03-03 · Failed 3–3
SB193 · Clarify the definition of backup electric generation.
Reconsidered · 2026-02-23 · Failed 17–17
SJR505 · Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting the assessed value of real property and limiting real property taxes.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-20 · Failed 4–4
Democrats they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Jamie SmithDemocrat · District 15 · 139 shared contested votes
68%
Liz LarsonDemocrat · District 10 · 195 shared contested votes
65%
Red Dawn FosterDemocrat · District 27 · 130 shared contested votes
48%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (17 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← South Dakota Delegation
YeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaAbsentYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Jim Mehlhaff was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced10
Out of committee4
Passed one chamber2
Passed both chambers1
Became law1
Never left committee6
For comparison, the median Republican member of the Senate has 3 bills that became law this session.
What their bills are about
Penalty 3Convention of States 2State Aid to Education 2Religion 2Speech and Expression 2Liability 2
Increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion.
Became lawSigned by the Governor on March 10, 2026 S.J. 514 · 2026-03-10
Commending Grey Zabel for his achievements as a member of the 2026 Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.
Not out of committeeS.J. 449 · 2026-03-03
Provide for the participation of delegates from this state in an Article V convention, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Out of committeeState Affairs Tabled, Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0. · 2026-02-18
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 one chamberPlaced on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6, Failed, YEAS 29, NAYS 38. H.J. 354 · 2026-02-18
Amend the state aid formula for general education and for special education.
Not out of committeeEducation Tabled, Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 1. S.J. 11 · 2026-02-12
Protect certain rights of healthcare providers.
Out of committeeHouse of Representatives Do Pass Amended, Failed, YEAS 25, NAYS 41. H.J. 283 · 2026-02-10
Require that the owner of a motor vehicle removed from a body of water pay the removal costs.
Not out of committeeTransportation Tabled, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0. S.J. 11 · 2026-02-06
Authorize the use of a drone for the location and recovery of mortally wounded deer and elk and to provide a penalty therefor.
Not out of committeeAgriculture and Natural Resources Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1. S.J. 12 · 2026-02-05
Create small-batch alcohol licenses.
Not out of committeeWithdrawn at the Request of the Prime Sponsor H.J. 192 · 2026-02-02
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.
Not out of committeeTaxation Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1. S.J. 5 · 2026-01-28
Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
Loading committees…
SB121 · 2026-03-30
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)
SB78 · 2026-03-12
Revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1326 · 2026-03-12
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)
HB1051 · 2026-03-12
Revise property tax levies for school districts and to revise the state aid to general and special education formulas. (Do Pass Amended)
SB245 · 2026-03-11
Create the homeowner property tax reduction fund, and to transfer moneys to the homeowner property tax reduction fund. (Concurred in amendments)
HB1200 · 2026-03-11
Make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations. (Conference Committee Report adopted)
SB74 · 2026-03-11
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)
HB1209 · 2026-03-11
Require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor. (Conference Committee report not adopted, no committee appointed)
HB1209 · 2026-03-11
Require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor. (Reconsidered)
SB39 · 2026-03-10
Revise provisions relating to industrial hemp. (Concurred in amendments)
SB159 · 2026-03-10
Revise requirements pertaining to the minimum age for marriage. (Concurred in amendments)
SB106 · 2026-03-10
Modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs. (Concurred in amendments)
SB171 · 2026-03-10
Amend provisions pertaining to the processing of absentee ballots and to declare an emergency. (Concurred in amendments)
SB135 · 2026-03-10
Protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers and clarify authority to regulate data centers. (Concurred in amendments)
SB221 · 2026-03-10
Regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Concurred in amendments)
SB119 · 2026-03-10
Create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto. (Concurred in amendments)
HB1302 · 2026-03-09
Address issues facing South Dakota. (Tabled)
HB1184 · 2026-03-09
Define man and woman throughout the state. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1323 · 2026-03-09
Modify the requirements to refer an ordinance or resolution to the voters of a political subdivision. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1176 · 2026-03-09
Clarify bond or pre-trial release upon sobriety program participation. (Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6)
HB1006 · 2026-03-09
Create a taskforce to study the creation of Indian medicaid managed care entities in the state. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1082 · 2026-03-09
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)
HB1082 · 2026-03-09
Establish parameters for the reimbursement of school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students. (Do Pass Amended)
SB49 · 2026-03-09
Safeguard the integrity, privacy, and security of genetic data and provide a civil penalty therefor. (Concurred in amendments)
HB1187 · 2026-03-09
Add coaches to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1134 · 2026-03-09
Make an appropriation for the economic development prosperity of South Dakota. (Tabled)
HB1253 · 2026-03-09
Adjust the assessment methodology for owner-occupied single-family dwellings and nonagricultural property. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1038 · 2026-03-09
Allow the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers that are customers of public utilities. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1149 · 2026-03-09
Adopt the athletic trainer licensure compact. (Do Pass)
HB1303 · 2026-03-09
Promote the future success and development of South Dakota. (Tabled)
HB1249 · 2026-03-09
Amend provisions pertaining to the School Finance Accountability Board, and the process by which a recommendation of the board is approved. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1160 · 2026-03-09
Repeal the medical marijuana oversight committee. (Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6)
HB1160 · 2026-03-09
Repeal the medical marijuana oversight committee. (Do Pass)
HB1135 · 2026-03-09
Make an appropriation to enhance the economic health of South Dakota. (Tabled)
HB1274 · 2026-03-09
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)
HB1320 · 2026-03-09
Revise a provision related to service of process for boards of county commissioners. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1215 · 2026-03-09
Authorize counties and municipalities to issue a license for a cigar bar. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1241 · 2026-03-09
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)
HB1241 · 2026-03-09
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)
HB1241 · 2026-03-09
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)
HB1140 · 2026-03-09
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 Amended)
HB1148 · 2026-03-09
Adopt the respiratory care interstate compact. (Do Pass)
HB1184 · 2026-03-05
Define man and woman throughout the state. (Do Pass)
HB1187 · 2026-03-05
Add coaches to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. (Do Pass)
HB1140 · 2026-03-05
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)
HB1038 · 2026-03-05
Allow the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers that are customers of public utilities. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1045 · 2026-03-05
Revise certain provisions related to child support. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1108 · 2026-03-05
Require the sealing of court files upon dismissal or denial of a petition for a protection order. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1300 · 2026-03-05
Except victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse from certain clemency notice requirements. (Do Pass Amended)
SB15 · 2026-03-05
Create the Developmental Disability Service Delivery Committee. (Concurred in amendments)
HB1040 · 2026-03-05
Revise the child support obligation schedule. (Do Pass)
HB1258 · 2026-03-05
Require that a property tax bill provide access to a state website providing property tax information. (Do Pass)
HB1138 · 2026-03-05
Require the licensure of non-medical home care agencies, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1183 · 2026-03-05
Revise qualifications for immunity from prosecution following a drug-related overdose. (Do Pass)
HB1161 · 2026-03-05
Amend provisions related to changing rooms, sleeping quarters, and restrooms. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1220 · 2026-03-05
Regulate the sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Do Pass Amended)
SB90 · 2026-03-05
Expand the information required to be sent to the prescription drug monitoring program for each registry identification card holder. (Concurred in amendments)
SB132 · 2026-03-05
Modify provisions related to the South Dakota Veterans Council. (Concurred in amendments)
HB1232 · 2026-03-05
Establish principles for a state agency to consider when formulating or implementing a program that has the potential of affecting tribal members on a reservation. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1245 · 2026-03-05
Authorize municipalities to establish a local funding mechanism for capital improvement projects. (Do Pass Amended)
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 548 total roll-call votes this session).
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