Rep. Jana Hunt

Maddy summaryHB 1067 is a procedural bill that seeks to define the term "must" within South Dakota state laws and regulations. The legislation would establish a specific legal interpretation for this word to ensure consistency across various statutes. This clarification primarily affects state agencies, courts, and legal professionals who apply these laws. The bill aims to reduce ambiguity in legal documents by providing a standardized definition for this common term.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would require voters to be U.S. citizens. It directly affects eligibility for voting in state elections by adding a citizenship requirement to the state constitution. The amendment would be placed on the ballot for voters to approve or reject at the next general election. If passed, it would make citizenship a formal legal requirement for voting in South Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1249 aims to protect landowners in South Dakota from deceptive or coercive tactics when easements or easement options are being acquired. The bill prohibits the use of fraud, harassment, intimidation, misrepresentation, or threats during the easement acquisition process. It requires that landowners receive clear, accurate information and have the opportunity to consult legal counsel before signing easement agreements. This legislation directly affects property owners and entities seeking to acquire land easements by establishing stricter standards for negotiation and disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 1266 proposes to transfer the South Dakota State Brand Board from its current administrative home to the Office of School and Public Lands. This change would place the board, which oversees state agricultural branding and promotion efforts, under the jurisdiction of the office responsible for managing public lands and school-related affairs. The bill does not alter the board's core functions or funding but reorganizes its supervisory structure within the state government. This administrative adjustment affects the office of the state auditor, who currently oversees the board, by shifting that responsibility to the Office of School and Public Lands.

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 summaryThis bill amends the subpoena authority of South Dakota's Government Operations and Audit Committee, allowing it to issue subpoenas to witnesses and gather information related to its oversight duties. The change directly affects the committee's ability to investigate state agency operations and enforce compliance with audit requirements. By updating the legal framework for subpoenas, the bill strengthens the committee's procedural tools without altering its core responsibilities or scope. The provision applies specifically to the committee's existing investigative functions rather than creating new oversight powers.

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 honors Glenn Muller of Davis by recognizing him as the 2025 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year, an award given by the Agribusiness Division of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. It formally acknowledges his contributions to the agribusiness community through a legislative resolution. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative recognition of his achievements in the field.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that providing dental care to horses does not count as practicing veterinary medicine in South Dakota. It directly affects equine dentists, farriers, and other professionals who perform routine dental maintenance on horses without being licensed veterinarians. The key provision removes the legal barrier that previously classified equine dental work as veterinary practice, allowing these professionals to continue their services without needing a veterinary license. This change aims to reduce regulatory burdens on equine dental care providers while maintaining the distinction between dental maintenance and medical treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 1124 removes a requirement for individuals to possess a registry card in South Dakota. This change directly affects people who previously needed to carry physical documentation to prove their registration status. The bill eliminates this possession mandate without altering the underlying registration system itself. As a result, individuals can maintain their registry status through other means without needing to carry the card.