Rep. William Shorma

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 203, raises the minimum age required to purchase a lottery ticket in South Dakota. Currently, the age limit would be increased to align with the legal age for purchasing tobacco products. The change directly affects lottery retailers and consumers by restricting access to lottery tickets for individuals under the new age threshold. This policy adjustment aims to reduce youth participation in lottery games by implementing a higher age requirement. The bill does not alter lottery funding or game mechanics, focusing solely on the eligibility age for ticket purchases.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 604 expresses the legislature's support for expanding transportation services available to veterans in the state who are receiving medical care. This resolution encourages efforts to improve how veterans can access necessary medical appointments and treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally acknowledges and celebrates the sister-state relationship between South Dakota and Taiwan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two regions. The resolution is intended to honor the existing partnership without altering any legal or governmental procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a standardized system to award academic credit or certification for military service in South Dakota. It would establish clear guidelines for how veterans can receive recognition for their service through educational institutions. The legislation aims to streamline the process by setting uniform standards across different schools and organizations. This change would directly benefit military service members seeking academic credit for their training and experience. The bill focuses on administrative procedures rather than altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes law enforcement officers to temporarily detain individuals who are reasonably suspected of committing a crime and establishes penalties for violations of this detention authority. The legislation directly affects police officers and individuals who may be detained under these new provisions. It creates a legal framework for temporary detention based on reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause, while also defining the consequences for those who resist or violate the detention process. The bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for law enforcement interactions while maintaining accountability through specified penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1117 modifies South Dakota's existing laws regarding the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle. The bill directly affects drivers by updating the rules that govern when and how they may use phones or other electronic devices behind the wheel. Key provisions likely adjust the specific restrictions or exceptions allowed for device usage during driving. This legislative change aims to clarify or alter current regulations to better address driver behavior and safety standards. The bill focuses on concrete policy adjustments to the state's driving laws without speculating on broader impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill commemorates the seventy-sixth anniversary of Tabor's Czech Days annual festivities in South Dakota. It formally recognizes and honors this long-standing cultural celebration within the state legislature. The measure serves as a commemorative resolution rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1086 clarifies how punitive damages are awarded in wrongful death cases in South Dakota. The bill directly affects individuals involved in legal disputes where a death has occurred due to another party's actions. It specifies the conditions under which courts can grant additional monetary compensation beyond standard damages. This provision aims to provide clearer guidelines for judges and juries when determining punitive awards. The change does not alter existing rights but refines the legal language governing these specific financial penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 prohibits insurance companies in South Dakota from requiring patients to pay any portion of the cost for specific breast imaging tests, including diagnostic and supplemental examinations. This law directly affects individuals with health insurance in the state by ensuring these breast imaging services are covered at no out-of-pocket expense to the patient. The bill removes cost-sharing requirements such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance that would otherwise apply to these particular medical procedures. By eliminating these financial barriers, the legislation aims to improve access to breast imaging services for insured residents without changing the underlying insurance coverage structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors seven South Dakota school administrators for their outstanding service during the 2023-2024 school year. It directly affects the named individuals by formally recognizing their contributions to education in their respective districts. The key provision is a ceremonial acknowledgment of Todd Foster, Dr. Julie Hatling, Camille Kaul, Jason Kolousek, Kristi Lewis, Mark Naugle, Amanda Olinger, and Laura Welch. This measure serves as a public tribute rather than implementing new policy changes or funding allocations.