Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer

Maddy summaryHCR 6010 is a non-binding resolution passed by the South Dakota legislature urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 *Obergefell v. Hodges* decision, which established same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. The resolution expresses the legislature's view that *Obergefell* conflicted with constitutional principles and state authority over marriage, citing arguments about judicial overreach and the state's 2006 voter-approved definition of marriage. This resolution has no legal effect and does not change marriage laws in South Dakota or elsewhere. It serves solely as a symbolic statement of legislative opinion.

Maddy summarySB 2 amends South Dakota law to clarify that firearm silencers (devices reducing gunshot noise) are not classified as "controlled weapons." This change removes silencers from the category of weapons subject to strict state regulations, such as special permits or licensing requirements. The bill directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and sellers of silencers in South Dakota by eliminating these regulatory barriers. The key mechanism is an amendment to the definitions section of the state's criminal code (§ 22-1-2), specifically excluding silencers from the definition of "controlled weapon."

Maddy summaryHB 1170 requires South Dakota's Department of Public Safety to make the state's organ donation registry accessible online 24/7, allowing registered donors or authorized individuals to verify their status anytime. It directly affects South Dakotans who are organ donors or considering donation, as well as organ procurement organizations and donation agencies that need to access registry information. The bill mandates that the registry must allow online registration, amendment, revocation, and verification of donor status, while ensuring personally identifiable information is protected and only used for determining donation status near death. This change streamlines access to the registry without altering the underlying donation process or eligibility rules.

Maddy summarySB 112 would recognize physical gold and silver coins (specie) as legal tender in South Dakota starting July 1, 2027. It allows private parties to use gold/silver for mutual debt payments and state/local governments to accept them for taxes/fees if they agree, though no one must accept them except by mutual agreement or through authorized electronic payment systems. The bill establishes definitions for "bullion depository" (secure storage for gold/silver) and "electronic payment system" (digital platforms backed by physical bullion), requiring the state treasurer to set rules for these systems. It directly affects residents, businesses, and government entities by adding gold/silver as an optional payment method under specific conditions. The state treasurer would designate storage facilities and authorize payment systems to enable transactions using physical gold/silver.

Maddy summaryHCR 6008 is a South Dakota resolution requesting the Attorney General to sue China, the Chinese Communist Party, and a Wuhan lab for $100 billion in damages related to the pandemic's origin. It directly affects South Dakota residents who suffered pandemic-related losses like medical costs, business closures, or income loss. The resolution proposes creating a state fund to distribute up to $250,000 per person to affected residents using any damages secured through the lawsuit. This is a procedural request to the Attorney General, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryHB 1068 allows South Dakota pharmacists to dispense ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to adults 18+ based on written protocols created by physicians. These protocols must include risk assessments, drug information (indications, usage, side effects), and instructions for handling adverse events. The law shields physicians and pharmacists from liability for good-faith compliance, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. It directly affects healthcare providers who dispense these drugs and patients receiving them under this new process.

Maddy summaryHB 1212 repeals a provision that previously shielded women from criminal liability for unlawful abortions. It removes the exception that prevented homicide charges when an abortion caused an unborn child's death, making such cases subject to standard homicide laws (Class B felony). The bill directly affects women seeking abortions and medical providers performing them, as it eliminates prior legal protections for abortion-related deaths. Exceptions for lifesaving procedures to preserve the mother's life or spontaneous miscarriages remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 1124 makes it a felony to enter or remain within 1,000 feet of a place of worship with intent to disrupt services, harass attendees, or intimidate through political means. Violators face a Class 5 felony charge. The bill defines "place of worship" as any building regularly used for religious activities, identifiable by design, signs, or features. This law directly affects individuals who intentionally trespass near religious sites with the prohibited intentions.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 (South Dakota House Bill 1094) clarifies that consent for organ donation does not automatically cover the donation of ovum (eggs) or sperm. The bill requires individuals to give explicit, separate consent specifically for ovum or sperm donation - distinct from organ donation consent. This directly affects potential donors and medical facilities handling reproductive tissue donations. The key provision amends state law to ensure clear, affirmative permission is obtained for gamete donation before any retrieval occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 1181 prohibits the injection, release, or dispersal of specific chemicals (including aluminum barium, strontium, sulfur dioxide, and other substances known to cause health issues) into the atmosphere for weather or climate modification. It directly affects individuals and businesses engaging in such activities, imposing a minimum $100,000 civil penalty plus $10,000 per day for ongoing violations. The bill creates a monitoring fund to cover enforcement costs (funded by fines), requires airports to report on aircraft equipped for such dispersal, and establishes an online public reporting system for suspected violations. Key mechanisms include mandatory airport reporting, public submission of details (e.g., chemicals used), and departmental rules for investigations and compliance.