Rep. Eric Emery

Maddy summaryHB 1099 modifies the requirements for a community paramedic endorsement in South Dakota. The bill directly affects healthcare professionals seeking this specific certification to work in community-based emergency care settings. It updates the endorsement criteria to align with current state regulations and training standards for paramedics. This change ensures that community paramedics meet updated qualifications before operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts in South Dakota to order family therapy or reunification therapy when deciding custody or visitation disputes involving children. The legislation gives judges the authority to require parents or guardians to participate in therapeutic sessions aimed at improving family relationships and resolving conflicts. Directly affected parties include parents, guardians, and children involved in custody cases where family dynamics are a central issue. The key provision enables courts to mandate these therapy services as part of their decisions, rather than leaving such interventions entirely to voluntary participation. This change provides an additional tool for judges to address family conflict while making custody determinations.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 authorizes the use of a newborn safety device, commonly known as a baby box, to allow parents to voluntarily surrender their newborn infants safely. The bill permits hospitals and other facilities to operate these devices and provides a legal framework for the surrender process without requiring parental identification. It also includes clarifying changes to existing laws to ensure the procedure is properly documented and handled by medical professionals. This measure aims to provide a safe alternative for parents who cannot care for their newborns while protecting the child's well-being.

Maddy summaryHB 1189 extends the deadline by two years for funds appropriated to the Governor's Office of Economic Development in 2021 to be returned to the general fund if not spent. The bill directly affects the state's economic development office and the general fund by delaying when unused marketing, route restoration, business development, and air service marketing money must revert. This change allows the office additional time to utilize the designated funds for their intended purposes before the money returns to the state's general treasury. The legislation does not alter how the money is used, only when any remaining balance must be transferred back.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adopting the Dietitian Licensure Compact, a multistate agreement that allows registered dietitians to practice across member states with a single license. It directly affects dietitians working in South Dakota and those seeking to practice in other compact states by streamlining licensure requirements. The key provision establishes a portable license system where dietitians can move between member states without applying for new licenses in each location. The bill requires South Dakota to comply with the compact's standards for licensure, renewal, and disciplinary actions to facilitate this interstate practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to honor Frank Kloucek by formally recognizing him as the oldest surviving and longest-tenured Democrat to serve in the South Dakota Legislature. The legislation would likely involve a resolution or official statement acknowledging Kloucek's service record and historical significance within the state's political history. This measure is intended to commemorate Kloucek's contributions and legacy rather than to enact new laws or policies. The bill directly affects Frank Kloucek and the South Dakota Legislature through an official recognition of his service.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the South Dakota Legislature to conduct an interim study on property tax reduction and homeownership preservation. The study will examine how current tax policies affect home ownership and explore potential ways to lower property taxes for residents. It does not enact any immediate tax changes but instead focuses on gathering information and recommendations for future legislative action. The primary audience for this study includes state policymakers, homeowners, and local government officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that expresses the South Dakota Legislature's preference for the federal government to maintain government-to-government relations with tribal nations, following the policy established during the Reagan administration. It does not create new laws or directly affect any specific groups but instead serves as a formal statement of legislative intent directed at the federal administration. The resolution urges the Trump-Vance administration and the Office of Management and Budget to uphold this specific approach to tribal relations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not have the force of law and cannot be enforced.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from using eminent domain to acquire private property for the construction of pipelines transporting carbon dioxide. It directly affects landowners and communities that might otherwise face forced property acquisition for such infrastructure projects. The key provision restricts the government's power of eminent domain specifically to carbon oxide pipeline projects, leaving other types of pipeline projects unaffected. This change aims to limit government authority over private property rights in the context of carbon capture and storage infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows South Dakota school districts to create or update special education plans for children of active-duty military members. It specifically permits the development of new or revised Section 504 plans, Individualized Family Service Plans, and Individualized Education Programs tailored to these students. The legislation addresses the unique educational needs of military families by enabling schools to implement customized support plans when necessary. This change directly affects school districts and families of service members stationed in or moving through South Dakota.