Rep. Jana Hunt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota schools to display the Ten Commandments alongside other historical documents in classrooms.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 summaryHB 1122 proposes amendments to South Dakota's Uniform Commercial Code, which governs commercial transactions and business contracts in the state. The bill directly affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged in commercial activities by modifying existing legal rules. Specific provisions would update definitions, procedures, or requirements related to commercial agreements and financial instruments. These changes aim to align state laws with current commercial practices and potentially resolve ambiguities in how contracts are interpreted. The bill does not create new obligations but adjusts the legal framework under which commercial dealings are conducted.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of state funds and provides an appropriation for the operations of the South Dakota State Library. It directly affects the state library by ensuring it has the necessary financial resources to continue its functions. The key mechanism involves moving specific moneys from one state account to another and allocating additional funds for library operations. This legislative action supports the library's ability to serve the public without changing its core mission or services.

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 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 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 grants free admission to South Dakota state parks and recreation areas for current and former members of the South Dakota National Guard, their spouses, and their dependents. It removes any existing fees or charges for these individuals and their families when visiting state-managed recreational facilities. The provision applies to all state parks and recreation areas under the jurisdiction of the state. This change aims to provide ongoing access to outdoor spaces for military service members and their families without requiring legislative approval for each individual visit.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove the state law requiring adults to wear seat belts while driving or riding in a moving vehicle. It would directly affect all adult drivers and passengers in South Dakota by eliminating the legal mandate for seat belt use. The key provision is the repeal of the existing safety belt requirement, meaning adults would no longer face penalties for not wearing them. This change would shift responsibility for seat belt use from a legal obligation to a personal choice for adult occupants.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 requires businesses in South Dakota to accept cash as a form of payment for certain transactions, directly affecting merchants and consumers who use cash. The bill mandates that cash cannot be refused for purchases up to a specified dollar amount, ensuring cash remains a viable payment option. This provision aims to prevent businesses from discriminating against customers who prefer or rely on cash payments. The law applies to retail transactions and other specified commercial exchanges within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Department of Revenue to submit an annual report to tribal governments detailing certain tax collections. The provision aims to increase transparency by providing tribes with information about tax revenues related to their jurisdictions. The report would be generated annually and distributed directly to tribal government entities. This change does not alter existing tax laws but adds a reporting requirement for administrative oversight.