Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · South Dakota
Votes with Republicans
93%
on 73 party-line votes · Senate Republicans median 76%
Cast a vote
94%
Yea or Nay on 420 of 447 roll calls · Senate median 98%
Their bills that became law
1 of 21
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 3
Roll calls on record
447
2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 6, 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 John Carley 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 John Carley 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. John Carley is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
5 of 73 party-line votes.
HB1263 · Eliminate an exclusion from the definition of an agricultural equipment dealer.
Do Pass · 2026-03-04 · Passed 28–6 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1107 · Modify restrictions on lands for certain public purposes.
Do Pass · 2026-03-02 · Passed 20–13 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB227 · Establish a minimum damage threshold for a motor vehicle total loss declaration.
Do Pass · 2026-02-17 · Passed 27–6 · most Republicans voted the other way
SJR503 · 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.
Do Pass · 2026-01-26 · Passed 25–9 · most Republicans voted the other way
SJR502 · Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention proposing an amendment to the constitution fixing the number of justices of the United States Supreme Court at one chief justice and eight associate justices.
Do Pass · 2026-01-26 · Passed 24–10 · 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
SB193 · Clarify the definition of backup electric generation.
Reconsidered · 2026-02-23 · Failed 17–17
SB218 · Provide for the establishment of charter schools.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-19 · Failed 17–17
SB195 · Repeal the expiration of a reduction in certain gross receipts and use tax rates.
Do Pass · 2026-02-17 · Failed 17–17
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.
Red Dawn FosterDemocrat · District 27 · 144 shared contested votes
48%
Liz LarsonDemocrat · District 10 · 129 shared contested votes
14%
Jamie SmithDemocrat · District 15 · 128 shared contested votes
11%
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 (27 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← South Dakota Delegation
NayNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaNayYeaNayYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaYeaNayYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills John Carley 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.
Introduced21
Out of committee7
Passed one chamber1
Passed both chambers1
Became law1
Never left committee14
For comparison, the median Republican member of the Senate has 3 bills that became law this session.
What their bills are about
Public Health and Safety 6Medical Cannabis 4State Affairs and Government 3Property Tax 3Taxation 3Penalty 3
Require that an individual provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote and to declare an emergency.
Became lawSigned by the Governor on March 30, 2026 S.J. 550 · 2026-03-30
Impose a transaction tax and dedicate revenues collected to supplant certain property taxes, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Not out of committeeTaxation Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 3. S.J. 17 · 2026-02-20
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, resetting, then limiting property taxes to a flat rate, until adjusted when sold.
Out of committeeTaxation Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 1. S.J. 17 · 2026-02-20
Establish a data collection system pertaining to assisted reproductive technology and to provide a penalty therefor.
Out of committeeHouse of Representatives Do Pass Amended, Failed, YEAS 25, NAYS 42. H.J. 358 · 2026-02-18
Modify the authority of a political subdivision to adopt mining ordinances.
Not out of committeeAgriculture and Natural Resources Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 3. H.J. 27 · 2026-02-17
Require an alternate approval process for an operation that extracts materials by the use of explosives.
Out of committeeHouse of Representatives Do Pass, Failed, YEAS 29, NAYS 37. H.J. 337 · 2026-02-17
Revise public notice requirements for new sand, gravel, and construction aggregate mines.
Not out of committeeCommerce and Energy Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 1. · 2026-02-12
Cause the repeal of the medical cannabis chapter upon the federal re-scheduling of cannabis.
Not out of committeeHealth and Human Services Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 13 · 2026-02-11
Limit the potency of cannabis products sold at medical cannabis dispensaries.
Not out of committeeHealth and Human Services Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1. S.J. 13 · 2026-02-11
Increase legislative oversight procedures and protections against conflicts of interest, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Not out of committeeState Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 1. S.J. 23 · 2026-02-11
Establish a currency based on gold and silver.
Not out of committeeState Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 1. S.J. 21 · 2026-02-09
Revise provisions pertaining to open records.
Not out of committeeState Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 1. S.J. 21 · 2026-02-09
Revise provisions in order to strengthen protections for unborn children.
Out of committeeHealth and Human Services Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 4. H.J. 13 · 2026-02-05
Require that the Department of Health annually report on public health effects of cannabis use.
Out of committeeHealth and Human Services Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 1. S.J. 10 · 2026-02-04
Require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency.
Not out of committeeState Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 3. S.J. 11 · 2026-02-02
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)
HB1139 · 2026-03-11
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)
HB1200 · 2026-03-11
Make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations. (Conference Committee Report adopted)
HB1326 · 2026-03-11
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)
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)
SB78 · 2026-03-11
Revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1051 · 2026-03-11
Revise property tax levies for school districts and to revise the state aid to general and special education formulas. (Do Pass Amended)
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)
HB1176 · 2026-03-05
Clarify bond or pre-trial release upon sobriety program participation. (Do Pass Amended)
HB1176 · 2026-03-05
Clarify bond or pre-trial release upon sobriety program participation. (Report out of committee without recommendation as amended)
HB1082 · 2026-03-05
Establish parameters for the reimbursement of school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students. (Tabled)
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)
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 447 total roll-call votes this session).
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