Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · South Dakota
Votes with Republicans
89%
on 75 party-line votes · Senate Republicans median 76%
Cast a vote
99%
Yea or Nay on 435 of 436 roll calls · Senate median 98%
Their bills that became law
3 of 16
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 3
Roll calls on record
436
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 Lauren Nelson 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 Lauren Nelson 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. Lauren Nelson is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
8 of 75 party-line votes.
HB1107 · Modify restrictions on lands for certain public purposes.
Do Pass · 2026-03-02 · Passed 20–13 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1056 · Require that the Department of Social Services submit a federal waiver request to exclude soft drinks from the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
Do Pass · 2026-02-25 · Passed 27–6 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB211 · Prohibit certain billing practices by ambulance service providers and establish reimbursement standards for out-of-network emergency medical services.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-24 · Passed 17–16 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB196 · Increase the income limits for a property tax assessment freeze.
Do Pass · 2026-02-24 · Failed 15–18 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB96 · Authorize the imposition of a county option gross receipts tax to reduce owner-occupied property taxes.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-23 · Passed 20–14 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB126 · Increase the amount of value exempt from property taxes under a tax relief program for disabled veterans and surviving spouses.
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-20 · Failed 14–20 · 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 · 130 shared contested votes
58%
Jamie SmithDemocrat · District 15 · 159 shared contested votes
35%
Liz LarsonDemocrat · District 10 · 146 shared contested votes
34%
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 (1 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← South Dakota Delegation
YeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNay
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Lauren Nelson 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.
Introduced16
Out of committee10
Passed one chamber5
Passed both chambers4
Became law3
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
Education 6Planning, Zoning and Housing Programs 5Counties 4School Curriculum 3Administrative Procedure 3Public Health and Safety 3
Add licensed and registered child care programs to the definition of community safety zone.
Became lawSigned by the Governor on March 30, 2026 S.J. 549 · 2026-03-30
Expand the information required to be sent to the prescription drug monitoring program for each registry identification card holder.
Became lawSigned by the Governor on March 30, 2026 S.J. 549 · 2026-03-30
Require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor.
Passed both chambersSenate Reconsidered, Failed, YEAS 15, NAYS 19. S.J. 524 · 2026-03-11
Require an election to approve the issuance of certain capital outlay certificates, lease-purchase contracts, or installment purchase contracts.
Out of committeeSenate Do Pass Amended, Failed, YEAS 16, NAYS 18. S.J. 362 · 2026-02-23
Clarify the procedure for petitioning a board of county commissioners for a change to the comprehensive plan or zoning ordinances.
Became lawSigned by the Governor on February 23, 2026 S.J. 350 · 2026-02-23
Provide for the establishment of charter schools.
Out of committeeSenate Reconsidered, Failed, YEAS 17, NAYS 16. S.J. 339 · 2026-02-20
Define nonpublic school.
Out of committeeSenate Do Pass, Failed, YEAS 11, NAYS 23. S.J. 280 · 2026-02-17
Clarify the rights to appeal and refer certain decisions of boards of county commissioners.
Passed one chamberHouse of Representatives Tabled, Passed, YEAS 61, NAYS 1. H.J. 322 · 2026-02-12
Require boards of county commissioners and county planning and zoning commissions to hold meetings after certain times or provide recordings of meetings to the public for later viewing.
Not out of committeeLocal Government Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 2. · 2026-02-11
Amend provisions pertaining to the administration of an academic achievement assessment to students in grade eleven.
Not out of committeeEducation Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 3. · 2026-02-10
Recognizing and honoring custodial staff across the State of South Dakota for their dedication and service.
Not out of committeeS.J. 187 · 2026-02-04
Require that a medical cannabis cardholder provide a card or card number upon request of a law enforcement officer.
Not out of committeeWithdrawn at the Request of the Prime Sponsor S.J. 129 · 2026-01-28
Require notification of property owners prior to the establishment of a tax increment financing district.
Not out of committeeWithdrawn at the Request of the Prime Sponsor H.J. 148 · 2026-01-27
Provide for compensation to counties for administering tax increment financing districts created by a municipality.
Not out of committeeWithdrawn at the Request of the Prime Sponsor H.J. 148 · 2026-01-27
Direct the amendment of the Administrative Rules of South Dakota regarding the coursework required for high school graduation.
Out of committeeHouse of Representatives Reconsidered, Failed, YEAS 33, NAYS 34. H.J. 133 · 2026-01-26
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)
HB1209 · 2026-03-11
Require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor. (Motion to amend)
HB1209 · 2026-03-11
Require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor. (Conference Committee Report adopted)
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)
HB1279 · 2026-03-05
Permit technical college employees to join the state health plan. (Deferred to the 41st legislative day)
HB1249 · 2026-03-05
Amend provisions pertaining to the School Finance Accountability Board, and the process by which a recommendation of the board is approved. (Do Pass)
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 436 total roll-call votes this session).
Official Links
Follow Lauren Nelson
One email a week, only when there’s something: every time they broke with their party, and the closest votes they cast. Free, and you can stop any time.