Rep. Kathy Rice

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 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 summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a state trust fund for unclaimed property in South Dakota. It would establish a legal framework for collecting and managing abandoned assets such as uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, and unclaimed securities. The amendment would require the state to maintain this fund and potentially use it for public purposes as defined by future legislation. This change directly affects the state's financial management system and property owners who may have forgotten assets in the state.

Maddy summarySB 169 requires that a public hearing be held before a vote can be taken on imposing an excess tax levy. This bill directly affects local governments and taxpayers in South Dakota by adding a procedural step to the tax levy process. The key mechanism is the mandatory public hearing, which ensures community input is gathered before any excess tax increase is approved. This change aims to increase transparency and public participation in local tax decisions without altering the underlying tax rates or amounts.

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 requests the South Dakota Attorney General to file a lawsuit against the People's Republic of China and related parties to seek damages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure would direct state legal officials to pursue financial compensation on behalf of the state for losses attributed to the pandemic. It does not specify the exact amount sought or the legal grounds for the claim, leaving those details to the Attorney General's discretion. The bill would only become active if passed by the South Dakota legislature and signed into law.

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 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 recognizes the Sturgis Scoopers as the 2025 Class A state boys wrestling champions. It formally acknowledges their achievement through a legislative resolution. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of their accomplishment.