Rep. Erik Muckey

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6012) is a symbolic gesture honoring the YMCA's 175th anniversary of service across the United States and in South Dakota. It recognizes the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding basketball, providing childcare, and serving over 17 million people annually through programs for youth, families, and communities. The resolution specifically acknowledges South Dakota's YMCA chapters, which serve nearly the entire state with 1,274 staff and 1,000 volunteers. The bill does not create new laws or alter policies; it solely expresses legislative appreciation for the YMCA's community impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 updates South Dakota's list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It adds "religious healing practitioner" and "safety-sensitive position" (as defined in another law) to the existing list, which already includes doctors, teachers, social workers, and clergy. The bill also clarifies that confidentiality protections (like those for medical or therapy records) cannot be used to avoid legal consequences when reporting abuse under these statutes. This directly affects the new categories of professionals and religious practitioners who must now report suspected cases, while removing legal barriers to using such reports in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Ashlyn Koupal, a Wagner High School senior, for being named to the 2026 McDonald's All-American Girls Basketball Team. It recognizes her as only the second South Dakotan and the first female athlete from South Dakota selected for this national honor, celebrating her athletic achievement and leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the legislature's recognition of her historic accomplishment.

Maddy summarySB 140 requires South Dakota correctional facilities to deposit 25% of inmate earnings from prison work into a personal savings account. This savings account cannot be used to pay court fines, fees, or other debts owed by the inmate. Upon release (via parole, suspended sentence, or discharge), the inmate receives the full balance of this savings account. Additionally, any interest earned on these savings must be deposited into the state's crime victims' compensation fund. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals working in state prisons and modifies how their earnings are handled.

Maddy summaryHB 1190 establishes the South Dakota-Tribal Consultation Commission to create a formal, ongoing process for state-tribal collaboration. The commission, composed of the Governor, tribal relations secretary, one tribal representative per tribe (appointed by tribes), and two legislators, meets quarterly to review state initiatives and receive tribal input. It requires the Governor to report on state actions affecting tribes and submit annual recommendations to the Governor by December 1st. This bill directly affects South Dakota state agencies and the nine federally recognized tribes by mandating structured consultation on state policies impacting tribal communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1214 requires South Dakota courts to consider a defendant's history of abuse as a mitigating factor during sentencing for certain crimes. To qualify, defendants must provide documented evidence (such as court records, hospital reports, or protective orders) proving the abuse was a substantial factor in their offense. If approved, sentences are reduced: life without parole becomes a maximum of 35 years, life with parole becomes a maximum of 30 years, and fixed terms are reduced by at least one-third. The law excludes Class A felonies, sex offenses, and related attempts, and allows retroactive resentencing for cases before July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 56 requires South Dakota state agencies to publish proposed permanent rules and key supporting documents - such as fiscal notes, small business impact statements, and public hearing notices - on a central state website at least 20 days before a public hearing. After the hearing, agencies must also post final rule details, hearing minutes, written comments, and corrected rule texts on the same website. This applies to all agencies creating new permanent rules and aims to increase public access to the rulemaking process. The website must be designated by the Governor and maintained by the executive department, streamlining transparency without altering rule content.

Maddy summarySB 57 clarifies the financial information state agencies must submit when proposing a rule that increases a fee. It specifies that agencies must provide detailed records of their financial resources, including beginning and ending fund balances, receipts, and disbursements for the last two fiscal years, plus projected figures for the current and next fiscal year. This information must be filed with the Interim Rules Review Committee and code counsel as part of the rulemaking process before a public hearing. The requirement applies only to fee-increase proposals and does not alter other rulemaking procedures.

Maddy summarySB 5 requires South Dakota to clearly disclose on ballots whether a proposed constitutional amendment or law was initiated by the Legislature or by a citizen petition. The bill amends election laws to mandate that ballot titles for both types of measures must include a specific disclosure: "proposed by the Legislature" for legislative proposals, and "proposed by a citizen-initiated petition" for initiative measures. This disclosure must appear directly after the title and before the attorney general's explanation and fiscal note on the ballot. The law applies to all ballot questions submitted for voter approval, ensuring voters can immediately see the origin of each measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Scouting America's 116 years of service to youth in South Dakota and the U.S. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the organization's founding in 1910 and its mission to develop character and leadership through programs for young people. The resolution specifically celebrates Scouting America's impact on over 130 million youth and its ongoing work supporting South Dakota families. It has no direct effect on individuals or communities beyond the symbolic recognition by the South Dakota legislature.