Rep. John Sjaarda

Maddy summarySB 190 establishes an education tax credit program in South Dakota designed to provide school choice for families. The bill allows eligible taxpayers to claim credits against their state income tax for contributions made to private school tuition assistance programs. This mechanism aims to reduce the financial burden on families seeking to enroll their children in private or charter schools. The legislation directly affects South Dakota residents who file state income taxes and families interested in private education options.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change the passenger restrictions for drivers holding a restricted minor's driving permit in South Dakota. The key provision would adjust the maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle driven by a minor with this specific permit. This change directly affects young drivers and their parents or guardians who must comply with the new passenger limits. The bill does not specify the exact numerical change but aims to revise the existing rules governing these permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state government agencies to obtain legislative approval for certain long-term or high-value real property leases needed for operations. It directly affects state departments and agencies that enter into lease agreements for facilities or equipment. The key provision mandates that leases exceeding specified duration or rental payment thresholds must be reviewed and approved by the legislature before becoming effective. This change aims to increase oversight of state spending on property rentals by ensuring legislative bodies evaluate significant lease commitments.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 217, proposes to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment for counting ballots in South Dakota elections. If enacted, this change would require all votes cast by citizens to be counted manually by election officials, directly affecting how election results are determined statewide. The core provision of the bill is a ban on the use of machines for vote tabulation, mandating a shift to human counting for all future elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires utility companies in South Dakota to obtain a customer's consent before installing a smart meter for any utility service. The key provision mandates that customers must explicitly agree to the installation rather than having it done automatically. This change directly affects residential and commercial utility customers who currently might have smart meters installed without their permission. The bill aims to give consumers more control over the technology used to measure their energy consumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to honor Joelle Simpson of Rapid City by designating her as Miss South Dakota. The legislation would formally recognize her title within the state's records and likely involve ceremonial acknowledgment of her achievement. It directly affects Joelle Simpson and the state's official recognition of its Miss America representatives. The bill does not alter existing laws or policies but serves as a commemorative measure to acknowledge her role in the state's pageant history.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement agencies in South Dakota from using diversity, equity, or inclusion programs. It directly affects police departments and other law enforcement entities within the state by restricting their ability to implement such initiatives. The key provision removes the legal authority for these agencies to establish or maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This change would prevent agencies from allocating resources or developing policies specifically focused on these areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota schools to display the Ten Commandments alongside other historical documents in classrooms. It mandates that these documents be included in the curriculum to provide context for students studying American history and law. The legislation affects public and private educational institutions within the state by establishing specific display and teaching requirements. This measure aims to ensure students encounter foundational legal and moral texts as part of their education.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies South Dakota's laws regarding fluoridation in public water supplies by repealing enforcement provisions and adjusting certain requirements. It directly affects local governments and water utilities that manage public water systems in the state. The key changes involve removing specific enforcement mechanisms and altering compliance standards related to water fluoridation practices. The legislation aims to update regulatory frameworks without mandating or prohibiting fluoridation itself.

Maddy summarySB 125 requires that reports generated by automatic tabulating equipment be made available for public inspection. This law directly affects government agencies and organizations that use such equipment to collect and process data. The bill mandates that these reports be accessible to the public, ensuring transparency in how information is compiled and presented. By removing barriers to access, the legislation aims to allow citizens to review official records produced by automated systems.