Rep. Kathy Rice

Maddy summaryHB 1207 aims to update the legal definition and penalties for rape in the first degree in South Dakota. The bill revises existing provisions to clarify what constitutes the crime and establishes specific punishment guidelines for those convicted. It directly affects individuals charged with or convicted of first-degree rape, as well as the state's criminal justice system. The legislation seeks to ensure the laws align with current legal standards while maintaining consistent sentencing for this serious offense.

Maddy summarySB 49 prohibits the use of eminent domain to acquire private property for constructing certain facilities in South Dakota. This bill directly affects government entities and private landowners by restricting the state's power to take property for specific projects without voluntary agreement. The key provision prevents forced acquisition of land for these designated facilities, requiring landowners to consent to any transfer. The legislation aims to protect private property rights by limiting the circumstances under which the government can exercise eminent domain.

Maddy summaryHB 1010 requires certain programs and institutions in South Dakota to submit cost model reports detailing their financial structures and operational expenses. This legislation directly affects organizations that receive state funding or operate under specific regulatory frameworks, mandating transparency in how they allocate resources. The bill establishes a reporting mechanism where these entities must provide detailed financial data to state officials for review and oversight. By standardizing cost reporting requirements, the law aims to improve accountability and ensure public funds are utilized efficiently across covered programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that every permanent or emergency administrative rule proposal receive approval from an elected official before being submitted to the Legislative Research Council. The provision directly affects state agencies that create administrative rules and the elected officials who must review them. Under this measure, agencies cannot submit rule proposals without first obtaining the necessary approval from an elected representative. This change adds an additional layer of oversight into the rulemaking process before rules reach the legislative review stage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires candidates running for election to a school district board in South Dakota to disclose their political party affiliation on their declaration of candidacy. The provision directly affects individuals seeking office on school boards by mandating they state their party alignment as part of their official filing. This change aims to increase transparency in the election process by making party information publicly available before voting occurs. The bill does not alter voting procedures or candidate eligibility, but rather adds a disclosure requirement to the existing filing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally acknowledges and celebrates the sister-state relationship between South Dakota and Taiwan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two regions. The resolution is intended to honor the existing partnership without altering any legal or governmental procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a standardized system to award academic credit or certification for military service in South Dakota. It would establish clear guidelines for how veterans can receive recognition for their service through educational institutions. The legislation aims to streamline the process by setting uniform standards across different schools and organizations. This change would directly benefit military service members seeking academic credit for their training and experience. The bill focuses on administrative procedures rather than altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state government agencies to obtain legislative approval for certain long-term or high-value real property leases needed for operations. It directly affects state departments and agencies that enter into lease agreements for facilities or equipment. The key provision mandates that leases exceeding specified duration or rental payment thresholds must be reviewed and approved by the legislature before becoming effective. This change aims to increase oversight of state spending on property rentals by ensuring legislative bodies evaluate significant lease commitments.

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 allows homeowners in South Dakota whose properties were damaged by declared disasters to refinance their existing mortgages. It directly affects residents who have suffered property damage from official disaster declarations and need financial relief through loan restructuring. The key provision enables these homeowners to access refinancing options that may offer more favorable terms than their current loans, helping them manage ongoing mortgage payments after disaster-related losses. The legislation does not specify exact interest rates or eligibility criteria but establishes the legal framework for disaster-related mortgage refinancing.