Maddy summarySB 218 establishes a legal framework for charter schools in South Dakota. It defines charter schools as public schools operating under contracts with school districts or the state education department, granting them exemptions from most state education laws while requiring compliance with civil rights, health/safety rules, and standardized testing. The bill mandates annual performance reporting to the state, outlines application requirements for nonprofit organizers (including community support and financial plans), and specifies that charter schools must serve grades K-12 nonsectarianly without religious instruction. This directly affects school districts (as authorizing entities), nonprofit organizers seeking to open charter schools, and students enrolled in these schools.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 109 modifies South Dakota's rules for creating tax increment financing (TIF) districts, which are areas where increased property tax revenue from development is used to fund improvements. The bill requires that at least 50% of a district's area must be designated as "blighted" (meeting specific criteria like deteriorated structures or unsafe conditions) or serve economic development purposes. It also adds new consent requirements: counties need municipal approval to create districts within city limits, and municipalities need county approval for districts in unincorporated areas. The bill clarifies the definition of "blighted area" to include factors like substandard structures, inadequate infrastructure, or safety hazards. These changes directly affect local governments (municipalities and counties) seeking to establish TIF districts for redevelopment projects.
Maddy summaryHB 1163 prohibits employers, schools, and public accommodations from requiring genetic-based vaccinations (defined as those using mRNA, DNA, or similar genetic technology) as a condition for employment, enrollment, or services. It also bans adverse actions like termination or denial of services based on vaccination status. The bill allows reasonable safety measures like masks or remote work but exempts healthcare facilities under federal rules, existing school vaccine requirements, health science program placements, court-ordered vaccinations, and the National Guard. This directly affects employers, educational institutions, and public service providers in South Dakota.
Maddy summaryHB 1210 bans employers, schools, state agencies, and other entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for employment, enrollment, or accessing services. It directly affects workers, students, and individuals seeking public benefits or services. Violating this ban would result in a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty. The law overrides existing requirements and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 1246 prohibits state agencies and local governments from signing agreements with private entities that require secrecy about data center projects. It mandates that any agreement for building, developing, or locating a data center must be treated as a public record, making its terms accessible to the public. The bill defines a data center as a facility storing, processing, or managing electronic data. This ensures transparency by preventing confidential clauses in such agreements, allowing public access to project details without secrecy restrictions.
Maddy summarySB 128 requires data centers (defined as facilities managing electronic data) to notify local water providers about projected water use and implement closed-loop cooling systems that limit net water withdrawal. It prohibits these facilities from exceeding water usage limits after residential and essential public services are allocated, and mandates reduced use during declared water shortages. Data centers must submit quarterly public reports detailing water usage and compliance. The bill directly affects large data center operators in South Dakota, focusing on sustainable water management for this growing sector.
Maddy summarySB 127 limits data center operations to reduce disruptions for nearby residents. It prohibits new data centers within one mile of residential areas (though local governments can set stricter rules) and caps continuous noise at 45 decibels near residential property lines. The bill defines data centers broadly to include cloud services, cryptocurrency mining, and streaming platforms. Violations would be deemed legal nuisances, allowing state attorneys or affected residents to seek court orders to stop the disruptions.
Maddy summaryHB 1171 requires blood donation centers in South Dakota to ask donors if they've received a COVID-19 or mRNA vaccination and to label blood bags if they have. It prohibits disclosing the donor's personal information on the label. Patients needing non-emergency blood transfusions can request blood from donors with or without these vaccinations, and healthcare providers must provide that blood if available. The law directly affects blood donors, donation centers, and patients receiving transfusions, creating new disclosure and request mechanisms while banning discrimination based on vaccination status.
Maddy summaryHB 1211 creates a digital registry identification card for medical cannabis patients in South Dakota, replacing the current physical card. This digital card will be issued to qualifying patients and their designated caregivers who have received certification from a healthcare provider for a qualifying medical condition. The bill amends existing law to define "Cardholder" as someone possessing a valid digital registry card, which will be used to verify eligibility for medical cannabis use under state law. The change modernizes the verification process but does not alter the qualifying medical conditions or possession limits for patients.
Maddy summaryHB 1121 expands where South Dakota consumers can legally purchase raw milk for personal use. It adds a new allowed location: retail stores owned by the milk producer, provided these stores are not located at the farm where the milk is produced. Currently, raw milk could only be bought directly at the farm, at farmers markets, or at a producer-owned store located on the farm. The bill specifically allows producer-owned retail stores (not at the farm) to sell raw milk directly to consumers.