Committee OKs House bill to streamline agricultural processors’ lien filings

Representative Lana Greenfield, R‑District 22, presented House Bill 1111 to streamline the agricultural processor’s lien process. The bill would add leased equipment to the lien regime, extend the filing deadline from 30 to 60 days to reflect long custom‑harvest jobs, and delay implementation from 2026 to 2027 to align with a planned Secretary of State website update.

"The current process of checking liens in multiple counties is cumbersome," Greenfield said. She told the committee the Secretary of State’s office supports the change and that extending to 60 days better matches the operational realities of custom harvesters.

Brett Kennecke, representing the South Dakota Bankers Association, supported the bill as a clarification that reduces litigation and better fits industry practice; the bill also clarifies that processor liens are not subject to the Department of Agriculture’s loan mediation program because they are not operating loans.

With no opponents appearing, the committee voted to give HB 1111 a due‑pass recommendation. The motion carried on roll call (6 yeas, 1 excused) and the chair certified the bill for the consent calendar.