Rep. John Hughes

Maddy summarySB 84 increases the income threshold for students to qualify for South Dakota's Partners in Education scholarship program. It raises the initial income requirement from 152% to a higher percentage of the national free/reduced-price lunch income standard (currently 152% for initial eligibility), directly affecting low-income students seeking tuition assistance at participating nonpublic schools. The bill maintains that students who qualify initially remain eligible for three years or until high school graduation without income checks, but must later meet a 250% income threshold to renew. This change expands access to the scholarship program by allowing more households to qualify under the new higher income cap.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 revises South Dakota's regulations for birth centers and certified professional midwives. It requires birth centers to obtain a license from the Department of Health (with a $500 fee), mandates risk assessments to confirm low-risk pregnancies before admission, and requires written care plans addressing each client's medical and emotional needs. The bill also mandates that a practitioner or registered nurse be on-site during active labor and repeals the previous requirement that birth centers be within 30 minutes of a hospital. These changes directly affect birth centers, certified midwives, and patients seeking care at these facilities.

Maddy summarySB 85 requires South Dakota school districts to hold a voter election before implementing or increasing an "excess tax levy" (property tax increases beyond the base amount). This applies to both general fund and capital outlay tax levies, meaning school boards can no longer unilaterally approve such increases - they must now seek voter approval through a formal election. The bill mandates specific public notice requirements (e.g., newspaper ads or mailed notices) and allows voters to petition for an election if 5% of registered voters sign a petition. The election must be held by October 1st of the year prior to tax payment, ensuring taxpayers have a direct say in local property tax changes.

Maddy summarySB 108 requires South Dakota's Legislative Research Council to post all recorded votes made by each legislator on the Council's website. This includes votes on bills and resolutions in both chambers and committees during each legislative session, along with records of absences or excusals. The voting records must be prominently displayed as a tab on each legislator's online profile page for public access. The bill applies to all legislators starting after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution commemorating Deadwood's 150th anniversary as a historical milestone. It formally recognizes the city's founding in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush and its evolution from a frontier mining town into a preserved historic destination. The resolution invites all South Dakotans to celebrate Deadwood's cultural heritage, historical significance, and ongoing contributions to the state's identity. As a commemorative measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 6004 is a non-binding House Concurrent Resolution encouraging South Dakotans to use physical cash for transactions. It urges citizens to pay with cash when possible and support businesses offering cash discounts, while also encouraging businesses to provide such discounts. The resolution cites reasons including preventing purchase tracking, reducing transaction fees for businesses, keeping money circulating locally, enabling unbanked residents to participate in the economy, and improving disaster resilience. It does not create new laws or requirements but serves as a symbolic expression of support for cash-based transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 1091 requires political subdivisions (like city councils, school boards, or county commissions) to post corrected versions of meeting agendas, attachments, or financial reports at least 24 hours before a meeting if they contain a material error. A "material error" is defined as any mistake likely to mislead the public about meeting details (date, time, location, subject) or the content of documents. This rule applies to both the physical office location and the subdivision's website, if one exists. Violating this requirement is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 requires South Dakota's Board of Education to amend administrative rules by September 2026 to update high school graduation coursework requirements. The bill mandates specific credit counts: 4 units of language arts (including writing, speech, and American literature), 3 social studies units (U.S. history and government), 3 math units (including Algebra I), 3 science units (including biology), plus required courses in personal finance, fine arts, physical education, health, and electives. It allows substitutions for one science credit using approved advanced computer science or agriculture science courses (but not for biology), and permits up to one fine arts credit through extracurricular activities with documented alignment to state standards. This directly affects all South Dakota public high school students and school districts implementing graduation standards.

Maddy summaryHCR 6002 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, who was assassinated in 2025 at age 31. The resolution recognizes his work founding Turning Point USA at 18, his advocacy for free markets and constitutional liberties, and his influence through media and policy advising. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely symbolic. The resolution urges South Dakota citizens to reflect on Kirk’s legacy and extends condolences to his family. This is a procedural honor without legal or practical impact.

Maddy summarySB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.