Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · South Dakota
Tesa Schwans
Republican · Representative

Tesa Schwans

Represents District 9 in the House of Representatives.

Official site ↗ Email
Votes with Republicans
93%
on 72 party-line votes · House Republicans median 79%
Cast a vote
100%
Yea or Nay on 454 of 454 roll calls · House median 99%
Their bills that became law
1 of 6
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 2
Roll calls on record
454
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 Tesa Schwans 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 Tesa Schwans sits in the House

Each dot is one member of the House, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Tesa Schwans is circled.

Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party

5 of 72 party-line votes.

SB198 · Restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
Yea
Do Pass Amended · 2026-03-05 · Failed 28–39 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB220 · Authorize a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential facilities, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.
Yea
Do Pass Amended · 2026-03-04 · Failed 30–37 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1287 · Require an alternate approval process for an operation that extracts materials by the use of explosives.
Yea
Do Pass · 2026-02-17 · Failed 29–37 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1065 · Revise the medical purpose affirmative defense in cannabis prosecution.
Nay
Motion to amend · 2026-02-17 · Passed 35–31 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1103 · Require that annual withdrawal of groundwater from any groundwater source may not exceed the annual recharge of water to the groundwater source.
Yea
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-02 · Failed 16–49 · most Republicans voted the other way
Closest votes they cast

Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.

HB1077 · Consider a cultivated-protein food product to be adulterated food.
Yea
Veto override · 2026-03-30 · Failed 32–32
HB1231 · Clarify documentation requirements for assistance animals in rental dwelling units.
Nay
Do Pass Amended · 2026-02-06 · Failed 6–6
SB221 · Regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor.
Yea
Do Pass Amended · 2026-03-04 · Passed 7–6
SB198 · Restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
Yea
Deferred to the 41st legislative day · 2026-03-02 · Passed 8–7
SB223 · Modify the requirements for a petition to refer an excess tax levy of a school district to a vote.
Yea
Do Pass · 2026-02-25 · Passed 8–7
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.

Kadyn WittmanDemocrat · District 15 · 173 shared contested votes
43%
Erik MuckeyDemocrat · District 15 · 173 shared contested votes
43%
Eric EmeryDemocrat · District 26A · 175 shared contested votes
42%
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 (0 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.

2026-01: 97 roll calls, 0 without a Yea or Nay2026-02: 258 roll calls, 0 without a Yea or Nay2026-03: 99 roll calls, 0 without a Yea or NayJan 2026Mar 2026
← South Dakota Delegation
Their bills, from filing to law

Bills Tesa Schwans 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.

Introduced6
Out of committee5
Passed one chamber3
Passed both chambers2
Became law1
Never left committee1

For comparison, the median Republican member of the House has 2 bills that became law this session.

What their bills are about
Barbers and Cosmetology 3Fees 3Professions and Occupations 3Promulgation of Rules 3Administrative Procedure 2Licensure 2
Clarify authority for the Cosmetology Commission to credit work experience for educational hours for certain out-of-state licensure applicants, and to require the commission to promulgate rules therefor.
Became lawSigned by the Governor on March 30, 2026 H.J. 578 · 2026-03-30
Authorize a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential facilities, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.
Passed one chamberHouse of Representatives Do Pass Amended, Failed, YEAS 30, NAYS 37. H.J. 512 · 2026-03-04
Encouraging the review and approval of water rights applications and future use reservations from the Missouri River.
Passed both chambersHouse of Representatives Concurred in Resolution as Amended, Passed, YEAS 61, NAYS 4. H.J. 443 · 2026-02-25
Provide for the establishment of charter schools.
Out of committeeSenate Reconsidered, Failed, YEAS 17, NAYS 16. S.J. 339 · 2026-02-20
Establish basic and advanced esthetics licenses, and to revise the licensure chapter for cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics.
Out of committeeHouse of Representatives Do Pass Amended, Failed, YEAS 27, NAYS 38. H.J. 298 · 2026-02-11
Establish requirements for natural hair braiding provided for compensation.
Not out of committeeCommerce and Energy Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 1. H.J. 3 · 2026-01-21

Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.

Loading committees…
HB1138 · 2026-03-30
Require the licensure of non-medical home care agencies, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Veto override)
Passed · 36-27
Nay
HB1077 · 2026-03-30
Consider a cultivated-protein food product to be adulterated food. (Veto override)
Failed · 32-32
Yea
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)
Passed · 61-3
Yea
SB78 · 2026-03-12
Revise the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 52-15
Yea
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)
Passed · 50-17
Nay
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)
Passed · 66-1
Yea
HB1200 · 2026-03-11
Make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations. (Conference Committee Report adopted)
Passed · 58-8
Yea
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)
Passed · 64-2
Yea
HB1038 · 2026-03-10
Allow the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers that are customers of public utilities. (Concurred in amendments)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
HB1320 · 2026-03-10
Revise a provision related to service of process for boards of county commissioners. (Concurred in amendments)
Passed · 64-3
Yea
HB1215 · 2026-03-10
Authorize counties and municipalities to issue a license for a cigar bar. (Concurred in amendments)
Passed · 63-4
Yea
HB1274 · 2026-03-10
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)
Passed · 61-6
Yea
HB1323 · 2026-03-10
Modify the requirements to refer an ordinance or resolution to the voters of a political subdivision. (Failed to concur, no committee appointed)
Passed · 40-27
Nay
HB1220 · 2026-03-10
Regulate the sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Concurred in amendments)
Passed · 60-7
Yea
SB74 · 2026-03-09
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)
Passed · 55-14
Yea
SB120 · 2026-03-09
Make an appropriation for the economic development of South Dakota. (Tabled)
Passed · 66-3
Yea
SB102 · 2026-03-09
Modify the distribution of gaming revenues. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 64-5
Yea
HB1209 · 2026-03-09
Require employment verification eligibility through the e-verify program and to provide a penalty therefor. (Failed to concur, appoint Conference Committee)
Passed · 62-7
Yea
SB222 · 2026-03-09
Make an appropriation for eligible water, wastewater, storm water, and riparian buffer initiative projects and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 61-8
Yea
SB244 · 2026-03-09
Address issues facing South Dakota. (Tabled)
Passed · 66-3
Yea
SB221 · 2026-03-09
Regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 66-3
Yea
HB1200 · 2026-03-09
Make an appropriation for victim services provided by nonprofit organizations. (Failed to concur, appoint Conference Committee)
Passed · 59-10
Yea
SB119 · 2026-03-09
Create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 52-17
Yea
SB121 · 2026-03-09
Transfer moneys and make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 66-3
Yea
SB219 · 2026-03-09
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)
Passed · 67-2
Yea
SB106 · 2026-03-09
Modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 54-15
Nay
SB245 · 2026-03-09
Create the homeowner property tax reduction fund, and to transfer moneys to the homeowner property tax reduction fund. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 42-27
Yea
SB139 · 2026-03-05
Revise a provision related to the transportation of an inmate upon discharge from a correctional facility. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 65-2
Yea
SB137 · 2026-03-05
Establish procedures for anti-SLAPP actions to protect the exercise of a person's constitutional rights, including freedom of speech. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 65-2
Yea
SB76 · 2026-03-05
Authorize loans from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund for airport infrastructure. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 43-24
Yea
SB171 · 2026-03-05
Amend provisions pertaining to the processing of absentee ballots and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 56-11
Yea
SB198 · 2026-03-05
Restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day. (Do Pass Amended)
Failed · 28-39
Yea
SB96 · 2026-03-05
Authorize the imposition of a county option gross receipts tax to reduce owner-occupied property taxes. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 48-19
Yea
SB39 · 2026-03-05
Revise provisions relating to industrial hemp. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 55-12
Yea
SB159 · 2026-03-05
Revise requirements pertaining to the minimum age for marriage. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 40-27
Yea
SB135 · 2026-03-05
Protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers and clarify authority to regulate data centers. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 60-7
Yea
SB204 · 2026-03-05
Revise certain criteria for loans from the South Dakota housing infrastructure fund. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 42-25
Nay
SB107 · 2026-03-05
Add licensed and registered child care programs to the definition of community safety zone. (Do Pass)
Passed · 65-2
Yea
SB179 · 2026-03-05
Permit a court to commit a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for certain weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections. (Do Pass)
Passed · 42-25
Yea
SB221 · 2026-03-04
Regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 7-6
Yea
SB102 · 2026-03-04
Modify the distribution of gaming revenues. (Referred to)
Passed · 13-0
Yea
SB124 · 2026-03-04
Temporarily prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any product containing cell-cultured protein, and to provide a penalty therefor. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 63-4
Yea
SB175 · 2026-03-04
Require that an individual provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 64-3
Yea
SB136 · 2026-03-04
Make an appropriation for grants to support the purchase of personal protective equipment by volunteer fire departments and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
SB3 · 2026-03-04
Limit the types of residential improvements for which counties, municipalities, and townships may require a permit. (Conference Committee Report adopted)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
SB69 · 2026-03-04
Make an appropriation for the purchase of a new Division of Highway Patrol airplane and mission equipment and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass)
Passed · 49-18
Yea
SB198 · 2026-03-04
Restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day. (Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6)
Passed · 50-17
Yea
SB37 · 2026-03-04
Make appropriations for water and environmental purposes and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass)
Passed · 66-1
Yea
SB44 · 2026-03-04
Establish investigative subpoena authority to gather business records in certain investigations. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 52-15
Yea
SB79 · 2026-03-04
Make an appropriation to the South Dakota Board of Technical Education to construct an advanced manufacturing laboratory space and classrooms on the campus of Southeast Technical College and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass)
Passed · 53-14
Yea
SB40 · 2026-03-04
Revise the compliance requirements for limitations on foreign ownership of agricultural land. (Do Pass)
Passed · 65-2
Yea
HB1194 · 2026-03-04
Clarify authority for the Cosmetology Commission to credit work experience for educational hours for certain out-of-state licensure applicants, and to require the commission to promulgate rules therefor. (Concurred in amendments)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
SB151 · 2026-03-04
Require the publication of the results of an election for precinct committeeman or committeewoman and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
SB228 · 2026-03-04
Modify provisions for a tax increment financing district. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
HB1102 · 2026-03-04
Reschedule the date for filing certain annual reports. (Concurred in amendments)
Passed · 67-0
Yea
SB49 · 2026-03-04
Safeguard the integrity, privacy, and security of genetic data and provide a civil penalty therefor. (Do Pass Amended)
Passed · 65-2
Yea
SB220 · 2026-03-04
Authorize a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential facilities, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass Amended)
Failed · 30-37
Yea
SB125 · 2026-03-04
Establish the homeowner tax reduction fund. (Tabled)
Passed · 64-3
Yea
SJR508 · 2026-03-04
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, removing the lieutenant governor as presiding officer of the Senate. (Do Pass)
Failed · 25-42
Yea
SB17 · 2026-03-03
Prohibit a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national, to provide a penalty therefor, and to declare an emergency. (Do Pass)
Passed · 66-0
Yea
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 454 total roll-call votes this session).
Voting data provided by LegiScan, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
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