Rep. John Sjaarda

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to recognize Scouting America Day at the South Dakota Capitol to celebrate the organization's 115th anniversary. It would allow for official acknowledgment of Scouting America's contributions to youth development through its programs and activities. The measure does not create new funding or policy changes but serves as a commemorative resolution honoring the organization's history and impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of drones to assess real property for taxation purposes in South Dakota. It directly affects local tax assessors, property owners, and drone operators who might otherwise use aerial technology for property valuation. The legislation establishes penalties for anyone who violates this ban, ensuring that property assessments continue to rely on traditional methods rather than unmanned aerial vehicles. By restricting drone usage in this specific context, the bill aims to maintain established assessment procedures while preventing unauthorized aerial surveillance for tax evaluation.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 proposes changes to the requirements for paper ballots in South Dakota elections. The bill directly affects election officials and voters by modifying how ballots must be printed, handled, or recorded. Specific provisions likely include adjustments to ballot design, distribution methods, or verification processes to ensure accuracy and accessibility. This legislation aims to update existing election procedures without altering the fundamental right to vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public schools in South Dakota to authorize individuals to serve as school chaplains, either as volunteers or employees. The legislation enables schools to formally recognize and support religious or spiritual leaders who provide counseling and pastoral care to students. By permitting these roles, the bill aims to expand access to spiritual guidance within the public education system while maintaining existing employment and volunteer standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from engaging with "natural asset companies," which are defined as entities holding rights to manage or restore ecological resources like soil, water, and biodiversity. It bans state agencies from leasing public land to these companies, investing state money in them, or entering into any business agreements that would grant them an interest in state resources. Additionally, the bill prevents natural assets from being transferred to such companies and requires the Secretary of State to revoke or deny business licenses for any entity that operates as a natural asset company. The law explicitly excludes nonprofits, privately held farms, and companies providing physical ecosystem services from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expresses the South Dakota state government's opposition to carbon dioxide pipelines and urges President Trump not to use federal eminent domain powers to interfere with the Summit Carbon Solutions project. It directly affects state officials and federal authorities by formally recording the legislature's stance on the pipeline issue. The key provision is a declarative statement affirming the state's rejection of such infrastructure while calling for federal restraint in this specific case. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal position statement on an ongoing environmental and regulatory matter.

Maddy summaryHB 1017 requires schools in South Dakota to accept cash payments for admission to school-affiliated events. This provision directly affects school districts, event organizers, and families attending these events by mandating that cash be treated as a valid form of payment. The bill ensures that individuals cannot be denied entry to school events solely because they pay with cash rather than other payment methods. This change applies to all school-sponsored activities where admission fees are charged.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires an official declaration of war or other specific Congressional action before the South Dakota National Guard can be deployed by the federal government. It directly affects the state's National Guard units by establishing a legal barrier to federal mobilization without explicit legislative approval. The key provision mandates that federal authorities must obtain formal authorization from Congress before deploying state troops for federal purposes. This measure ensures that the state retains control over its National Guard unless Congress explicitly authorizes federal deployment. The bill focuses on clarifying the legal requirements for National Guard deployment rather than addressing broader military policy issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Chester Lady Flyers volleyball team as the 2024 Class B State Champions. It directs the South Dakota Department of Education to issue an official proclamation honoring their achievement. The measure affects the state's educational institutions and the specific high school team by documenting their victory in the public record.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 establishes rules for how individuals can disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status when donating blood. The bill requires blood collection facilities to inform donors about their vaccination status and allows donors to choose whether to share this information with the facility. It also mandates that blood banks maintain records of vaccination status for donors who choose to disclose it. This legislation directly affects blood donation centers and individuals who wish to donate blood in South Dakota.