Rep. John Hughes

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the South Dakota state government from using public funds for any activities related to cell-cultured protein, including research, production, promotion, sales, or distribution. It directly affects state agencies and departments that might otherwise allocate taxpayer money toward this emerging food technology. The legislation prevents state investment in cell-cultured protein by explicitly banning the use of state moneys for its development and commercialization. This policy change restricts public financial support for a specific type of alternative protein production method.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Terry Ree, a comedian and musician who performed with his duo Williams and Ree in South Dakota. It formally recognizes his contributions to the state's entertainment industry through a commemorative resolution. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his service.

Maddy summaryThe bill requires websites hosting material harmful to minors to implement age verification systems. It directly affects online platforms that distribute such content and their users. The legislation mandates that these sites verify a user's age before allowing access to protected material. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in penalties for the website operators. This measure aims to restrict access to age-inappropriate content while establishing clear enforcement consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special emblem plate for bicycles in South Dakota to promote road safety for cyclists. The legislation authorizes the Department of Public Safety to create and issue a "Share the Road" bicycle emblem specialty plate that drivers can display on their vehicles. The plate serves as a visual reminder to motorists to exercise caution when sharing the road with bicyclists. This measure directly affects vehicle owners who wish to display the emblem and all road users in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires applicants seeking permits for carbon dioxide transmission facilities from the Public Utilities Commission of South Dakota to submit an environmental impact statement. The provision ensures that potential environmental effects of these facilities are formally evaluated before approval. This change directly affects companies and developers applying for such permits and the regulatory body reviewing them. The bill mandates a specific procedural step to assess environmental consequences without altering the underlying approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a tax exemption for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota, directly affecting homeowners who live in their primary residences. The legislation limits property taxes by capping the amount due based on the previous year's tax value, preventing significant increases in one year. This mechanism ensures that homeowners pay a maximum of the prior year's tax amount, offering financial stability for residential property owners. The policy change applies specifically to single-family dwellings and does not extend to commercial or multi-unit properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the senior class of the Sioux Falls Lincoln High School Patriots Marching Band for their accomplishments. It designates the group with a formal recognition from the state legislature. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the band's achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense called aggravated careless driving in South Dakota. It applies to drivers who operate vehicles in a manner that endangers others through careless behavior. The legislation establishes specific penalties for this offense, though the exact sentencing details are not included in the provided text. This change aims to address severe cases of reckless driving that do not currently qualify as more serious traffic crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a specialty license plate program in South Dakota called "Share the Road," designed to promote awareness of safe driving practices among all road users. The plate design will feature graphics or slogans related to sharing the road safely, and proceeds from sales will be allocated to the state's highway safety fund. The legislation applies to vehicle owners who wish to purchase and display these specialty plates, with no changes to standard vehicle registration requirements.