Rep. Travis Ismay

Maddy summarySB 190 establishes an education tax credit program in South Dakota designed to provide school choice for families. The bill allows eligible taxpayers to claim credits against their state income tax for contributions made to private school tuition assistance programs. This mechanism aims to reduce the financial burden on families seeking to enroll their children in private or charter schools. The legislation directly affects South Dakota residents who file state income taxes and families interested in private education options.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits clients from making gifts or bequests to their attorneys through wills or other testamentary documents. The law directly affects individuals who might otherwise leave property to their lawyers and attorneys who could receive such gifts. Under this provision, any testamentary gift from a client to their own lawyer would be considered invalid and unenforceable. The measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring clients do not benefit financially from their legal representation through inheritance.

Maddy summaryHB 1123 removes the ability to use a medical purpose as a legal defense in prosecutions related to cannabis possession or use in South Dakota. This change directly affects individuals who have been charged with cannabis-related offenses and previously might have argued they were using the substance for medical reasons. The bill eliminates the specific legal provision that allowed such a defense, meaning medical necessity will no longer be considered a valid justification in court. As a result, prosecutors will no longer need to prove that a defendant's cannabis use was not for medical purposes, and defendants cannot raise medical need as a shield against charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 217, proposes to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment for counting ballots in South Dakota elections. If enacted, this change would require all votes cast by citizens to be counted manually by election officials, directly affecting how election results are determined statewide. The core provision of the bill is a ban on the use of machines for vote tabulation, mandating a shift to human counting for all future elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs school district boards in South Dakota to create policies restricting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices during instructional time. The measure would require schools to establish clear guidelines on when and how students may use these devices while classes are in session. It aims to give school administrators the authority to limit distractions and maintain focus in the classroom. The policy would apply to all public school districts within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in South Dakota from interfering with federal immigration enforcement activities. It requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration-related matters and restricts local officials from creating policies that contradict federal immigration laws. The legislation directly affects county sheriffs, municipal police departments, and other local government entities by limiting their ability to challenge or obstruct federal immigration operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 requires public school classrooms in South Dakota to display either the state seal or the state motto. This law directly affects school administrators and educators by mandating the physical presence of these symbols in learning environments. The bill does not specify exact placement or size requirements, leaving implementation details to individual school districts. This measure aims to ensure visible representation of state identity within public education settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement agencies in South Dakota from using diversity, equity, or inclusion programs. It directly affects police departments and other law enforcement entities within the state by restricting their ability to implement such initiatives. The key provision removes the legal authority for these agencies to establish or maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This change would prevent agencies from allocating resources or developing policies specifically focused on these areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1145 amends the rules for maintaining and publishing South Dakota's statewide voter registration file. The bill directly affects the Secretary of State's office and individuals who manage voter records. It updates procedures for how voter information is stored, accessed, and made available to the public. The changes aim to improve the accuracy and accessibility of voter registration data without altering who can vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill would grant legal immunity to off-duty law enforcement officers who make a citizen's arrest or assist with a lawful arrest. The provision aims to protect these officers from civil liability when they act in this capacity. It directly affects law enforcement personnel who are not currently on duty at the time of the arrest. The bill does not change existing arrest laws but instead provides additional legal protection for specific off-duty actions.