Rep. Les Heinemann

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SCR 602) celebrates South Dakota's 42-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1984. It highlights specific trade ties, including a 2025 agricultural mission visit and a wheat purchase agreement between South Dakota and Taiwan. The resolution expresses support for strengthening trade relations, academic exchanges, the U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the partnership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HC 8004) is a symbolic honor recognizing the St. Mary’s High School Cardinals football team for winning the 2025 Class 9B state championship. It commemorates their undefeated season, including a 54-6 victory over Avon, and highlights individual player awards and team leadership. The bill contains no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely serves to formally celebrate the team’s achievement through a legislative resolution.

Maddy summaryHCR 6002 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, who was assassinated in 2025 at age 31. The resolution recognizes his work founding Turning Point USA at 18, his advocacy for free markets and constitutional liberties, and his influence through media and policy advising. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely symbolic. The resolution urges South Dakota citizens to reflect on Kirk’s legacy and extends condolences to his family. This is a procedural honor without legal or practical impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, distribution, possession, and use of kratom and kratom products for all individuals, not just those under 21. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic compounds, or harmful additives, and requires mandatory labeling with serving sizes, alkaloid content, and health warnings. Violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, punishable by fines or jail time. The law directly affects consumers, retailers, and manufacturers of kratom products across South Dakota.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 80 prohibits the sale or distribution of delta-9 THC products (including related compounds like delta-8 and THC-O) to anyone under 21 years old. It directly affects retailers selling these products and minors attempting to purchase them. The law makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to sell such products to underage individuals, with limited exceptions for parents or guardians purchasing on behalf of their children. The bill also bans underage possession, consumption, or purchasing on behalf of minors for these specific THC products.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the signature requirement for petitions used to initiate constitutional amendments in South Dakota. It directly affects citizens who wish to propose changes to the state constitution by altering the number of valid signatures needed on these petitions. The key provision changes the threshold of voter signatures required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, making the process more or less accessible depending on the new numerical requirement. This change impacts the procedural steps for citizens seeking to propose constitutional changes but does not alter the content or approval process for amendments themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows law enforcement to provide individualized investigative treatments to patients suffering from life-threatening or debilitating diseases or conditions. The key provision permits officers to use force or specific investigative methods tailored to the patient's medical needs rather than applying standard procedures. It directly affects police officers and individuals with serious health conditions who may require specialized handling during investigations. The legislation aims to ensure that medical circumstances are considered when determining appropriate investigative responses.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require a 60% affirmative vote from voters to pass any future constitutional changes in South Dakota. It directly affects all South Dakota voters by raising the approval threshold above the current majority requirement. The key mechanism is changing the voting rule so that measures need supermajority support rather than a simple majority. This change would make it more difficult to amend the state constitution but does not alter any existing constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to apply to the United States Congress under Article V of the Constitution to call for a constitutional convention aimed at establishing term limits for members of Congress. The measure would direct the state legislature to formally request this convention, which is one of the methods specified in the Constitution for proposing amendments. If enacted, the bill would initiate a process to gather signatures and submit a formal application to the federal government, setting the stage for a national debate on congressional term limits. The bill does not itself create term limits but seeks to trigger a constitutional process that could lead to such changes if approved by the required number of states.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies property tax revenue limits in South Dakota by adjusting caps on annual increases for certain taxing districts and imposing a new limit on property tax collections for school districts. It directly affects local governments, school boards, and property owners by changing how much property tax revenue they can collect each year. The key provision establishes a ceiling on property tax collections for school districts to prevent excessive tax burdens on residents. Additionally, it alters the rules governing how much property tax revenue can increase annually for specific taxing entities. These changes aim to provide more predictable tax revenue limits while maintaining fiscal constraints on local government funding.