Rep. Karla Lems

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would require a general election to occur between the rejection of an initiated constitutional amendment or measure and any future attempt to pass a new one on the same subject. The change directly affects voters and state legislators by adding a procedural step that prevents immediate reconsideration of rejected ballot measures. If passed, this mechanism would ensure that at least one full election cycle must pass before citizens can attempt to reintroduce a similar constitutional change or initiative. The amendment aims to provide additional time for public discussion and reflection on controversial topics before allowing a second vote on the same issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the subpoena authority of South Dakota's Government Operations and Audit Committee, allowing it to issue subpoenas to witnesses and gather information related to its oversight duties. The change directly affects the committee's ability to investigate state agency operations and enforce compliance with audit requirements. By updating the legal framework for subpoenas, the bill strengthens the committee's procedural tools without altering its core responsibilities or scope. The provision applies specifically to the committee's existing investigative functions rather than creating new oversight powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from using eminent domain to acquire private property for the construction of pipelines transporting carbon dioxide. It directly affects landowners and communities that might otherwise face forced property acquisition for such infrastructure projects. The key provision restricts the government's power of eminent domain specifically to carbon oxide pipeline projects, leaving other types of pipeline projects unaffected. This change aims to limit government authority over private property rights in the context of carbon capture and storage infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council to create a temporary committee focused on preserving and protecting the Black Hills of South Dakota. The committee would examine issues related to the land and develop recommendations for its conservation. This measure affects state legislative staff and officials who would oversee the committee's work. The bill does not establish new laws but rather sets up a study group to address concerns about the Black Hills.

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 honors the Canton C-Hawks boys wrestling team, directly affecting the Canton community and the team members. It designates a specific date or location to commemorate their achievements, likely through a proclamation or resolution. The measure does not alter existing laws or policies but serves as a formal recognition of the team's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to revise and eventually repeal a fee that requires employers to contribute to South Dakota's future investment fund. The legislation directly affects businesses and employers within the state who currently pay this fee. Key provisions would modify the existing requirements and establish a timeline for eliminating the fee entirely. The bill aims to change how employer contributions are handled and managed under state law.

Maddy summarySB 124 establishes the Incarceration Task Force in South Dakota to address issues related to the state's prison system. The bill creates a committee tasked with reviewing incarceration practices and making recommendations to improve the correctional system. This task force will directly affect state policymakers and correctional facilities by providing a structured body to analyze and propose changes to how the state handles imprisonment. The legislation focuses on creating an organized approach to examining current incarceration policies rather than implementing specific immediate changes.

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 prohibits the use of certain funds that were specifically allocated for constructing a prison facility in South Dakota. It directly affects state budget administrators and officials responsible for managing appropriations related to prison construction projects. The key provision restricts spending from these designated funds on the prison construction, effectively limiting how the money can be utilized for that purpose. This measure does not eliminate the funds but rather restricts their application to the originally intended project.