Rep. Tony Kayser

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota public schools to teach prenatal human growth and development in health or science classes using specific materials. It mandates that schools use resources recommended by the state Board of Education, including at least three minutes of high-definition ultrasound videos showing organ development or computer-generated animations of prenatal growth from fertilization to birth. The law prohibits using any materials from entities that perform, promote, or refer to abortion services. This directly affects K-12 public school curricula in South Dakota, altering required health/science content.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit South Dakota governments from using eminent domain to transfer private property to private companies or non-governmental entities solely for economic development or increased tax revenue. It would require any property transfer to serve a clear public purpose, such as infrastructure or public services, rather than benefiting private interests. The amendment would apply to all state and local government actions involving property takings and must be approved by voters at the next general election. If adopted, it would change how governments can acquire property for development projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1317 removes a 10% annual cap on how much South Dakota counties and municipalities can increase property taxes using accumulated unused index factors. Currently, local governments could only raise taxes based on these factors up to the prior three years' total or 10%, whichever was lower. The bill eliminates the 10% limit, allowing them to use all accumulated unused index factors from prior years without this restriction. This directly affects local governments' ability to adjust property tax revenue annually. The change modifies how county auditors calculate annual tax revenue limits under state law.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the property tax exemption amount for disabled veterans and surviving spouses in South Dakota. Currently, $350,000 of a home's value is exempt from property taxes under the program; the bill raises this amount but does not specify the new figure in the provided text. It directly affects veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disabilities, as well as surviving spouses of such veterans. The change would lower property tax bills for eligible homeowners without altering application requirements or eligibility criteria.

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 summaryThis bill (HB 1324) does not actually abolish the State Board of Elections, as its title claims. Instead, it amends South Dakota law regarding petition requirements for constitutional amendments and initiated measures. The bill specifies detailed formatting rules for petition documents (e.g., 14-point font for text, designated election dates) and requires petition sponsors to submit materials to the Secretary of State, not the State Board of Elections. It also mandates circulator handouts containing specific information about petition sponsors and circulator status. The bill directly affects individuals and groups seeking to place constitutional amendments or initiated measures on the ballot.

Maddy summaryHB 1316 changes the timing for conducting election canvasses in South Dakota. It revises Section 12-20-36 to require county election officials to complete canvassing at 9 a.m. local time on the first Tuesday after an election, instead of within six calendar days. Section 12-20-47 is amended to require the State Canvassing Board to begin reviewing county returns at 9 a.m. central time on the second Tuesday after an election, replacing the previous seven-day deadline. This procedural bill affects election administrators and county officials responsible for processing election results, with no direct impact on voters or policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1151 bans kratom and kratom products in South Dakota, making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to sell, distribute, purchase, consume, or possess them. It specifically prohibits sales or use by anyone under 21 (except by parents/guardians), and requires strict labeling for products that remain legal, including serving sizes, alkaloid content, and health warnings. The bill also prohibits products containing over 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic compounds, or harmful additives. This directly affects consumers, businesses selling kratom, and retailers who must comply with new labeling rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1315 would allow South Dakota voters to initiate a recall of local elected officials or individuals appointed to fill vacancies in their offices. To trigger a recall, a petition requiring signatures from 15% of registered voters in the official's jurisdiction (based on the prior general election) must be filed, along with specific grounds for removal such as crime, incompetence, or misconduct. If the petition meets requirements, a special election must be held within 60 days to decide removal, with the official allowed to remain on the ballot unless they request otherwise. The bill does not apply to officials subject to impeachment under the state constitution.