Rep. Kevin Van Diepen

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill with policy changes), recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations Month. It formally acknowledges South Dakota's career and technical education programs serving over 30,000 students and student organizations with more than 10,000 members (including FFA, SkillsUSA, and HOSA). The resolution has no binding effect or policy impact; it serves only to honor these educational efforts through symbolic recognition. No specific groups or individuals are directly affected by this commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 806) is a non-binding legislative commemoration honoring four South Dakota school administrators for their service: David Olson (Meade Middle School Principal), Kendra Becker (Redfield Secondary School Principal), Richie Hutchinson (Sioux Falls Assistant Middle School Principal), and Kay Bass (Harrisburg Assistant Secondary School Principal). It recognizes their combined 88 years of dedication to education, peer-elected "Outstanding School Administrator" status for 2025-2026, and their commitment to improving educational opportunities. The resolution formally names them as official representatives of South Dakota School Administrators. This is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws or affect policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1157 creates a 12-member task force to study ecological damage and costs from aquatic invasive species in South Dakota. The task force includes representatives from state agencies (Game, Fish and Parks; Agriculture; Tourism), tribal organizations, water development districts, recreation industries, and environmental groups. It must submit a report by November 2026 detailing prevention strategies, cost estimates, and funding recommendations for addressing invasive species. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for task force expenses and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6003) recognizes conservation and restoration practices - such as native vegetation restoration, stream rehabilitation, and beaver dam analogues - as critical for addressing water shortages and reducing wildfire risks in South Dakota's Black Hills region. It specifically commends organizations like the Black Hills Watershed Collaborative, landowners, and community groups working on these projects. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges these efforts' role in improving water availability, fire mitigation, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. It serves as a symbolic statement of legislative support for ongoing community-led conservation work.

Maddy summaryThis commemorative resolution (HC 8001) formally recognizes National FFA Week in South Dakota for February 21-28, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture by the South Dakota Legislature to honor the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. The resolution cites FFA's role in agricultural education, youth development, and community service across the state. As a non-binding commemoration, it has no legal or financial impact on the state or its residents.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7001) is a symbolic recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, scheduled for July 4, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, organizations, or policies; it is purely commemorative. The resolution acknowledges the historical significance of the Declaration, highlights contributions from diverse groups (including indigenous nations and immigrants) to U.S. development, and encourages reflection on foundational principles like liberty and democracy. South Dakota's House of Representatives formally resolves to celebrate this milestone as a moment to honor the nation's past and future.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain rape offenses from receiving a suspended imposition of sentence in South Dakota. The measure directly affects defendants charged with specific sexual assault crimes by removing a sentencing option that would allow them to avoid jail time. Under the new provisions, judges would no longer be able to suspend the imposition of sentence for these offenses, requiring immediate sentencing instead. This change applies to both new and pending cases involving the specified rape charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1083 modifies the requirements for obtaining an agricultural processor's lien in South Dakota. The bill directly affects agricultural processors and farmers by changing the rules for when and how liens can be placed on farm products. Key provisions likely adjust the conditions under which a processor can secure payment through a lien on crops or livestock. This change aims to clarify or update the legal process for agricultural debt collection without altering the fundamental purpose of the lien system.

Maddy summarySB 120 amends the membership of South Dakota's Animal Industry Board by adding a representative from the poultry industry. This change directly affects the board's composition by ensuring poultry producers have a voice in state animal health and industry regulations. The bill establishes a new voting member position to balance representation across different agricultural sectors. This adjustment modifies the existing statutory requirements for board appointments without altering the board's overall authority or responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal offenses for boat operators in South Dakota and sets corresponding penalties for violations. It directly affects individuals who operate boats within the state's waters by defining specific prohibited behaviors and outlining consequences for non-compliance. The legislation creates a legal framework to enforce safety standards and address misconduct among boat operators through defined criminal charges and punishment measures.