Rep. Tim Goodwin

Maddy summaryHB 1072 allocates $20.6 million in state and federal funds to provide South Dakota state employees with a payment equal to 1.5% of their January 1, 2026 salary. Starting July 1, 2026, each active state employee as of that date will receive this amount monthly in 12 equal installments. The payment applies only to employees still working at the time of each monthly disbursement, meaning no payments are made to those who left state employment before a payment date. The funds must be expended by June 30, 2027, with unused amounts reverting to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 would repeal South Dakota's death penalty by removing it as a sentencing option for Class A felonies, including first-degree murder. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of capital offenses, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment as the maximum sentence. Key provisions amend sections of the criminal code (specifically §§ 22-6-1, 22-16-12, and others) to eliminate the death penalty from Class A felony sentencing and adjust felony classifications accordingly. This change would apply to all future cases, meaning convicted individuals would no longer face execution as a possible penalty for the most serious crimes.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6014) honors the 37 privately owned cabin owners in Custer State Park and their property rights. It recognizes that these owners pay property taxes, lease fees to the park, and contribute to the park foundation, but face uncertainty as their leases expire soon. The resolution urges the Governor and Department of Game, Fish and Parks to create new leases for the cabin owners to secure their future in the park. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new legal rights but expresses legislative support for the cabin owners' continued role in the park.

Maddy summaryHB 1272, introduced by Representative DeGroot, proposes amending South Dakota's vehicle title laws to require "a snow bear" to be titled and licensed. The bill attempts to add "snow bear" to the definitions in vehicle code (§ 32-3-1), treating it as a vehicle subject to title and licensing requirements. This appears to be an error or non-sequitur, as "snow bear" is not a recognized vehicle type and bears are living animals, not vehicles. The bill does not describe any actual policy mechanism or affect any real-world entity, as it conflates biological animals with vehicle regulations. This appears to be a drafting mistake rather than a substantive legislative proposal.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 amends South Dakota election timing rules for municipalities and school districts. It requires special elections on specific dates (30-50 days after petition) and allows certain questions - like annexation, dissolution, or consolidation - to be combined with regular annual elections if filed within 90 days before them. The bill also sets deadlines for holding elections (e.g., annexation votes must occur within 60 days of resolution) and clarifies when petitions must be filed to align with existing election cycles. This directly affects local governments managing elections by standardizing procedural timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1240 requires businesses distributing or selling vapor products (like e-cigarettes) in South Dakota to obtain licenses from the Department of Revenue. Distributors must pay a $100 fee and keep transaction records for three years, while retailers must pay $250, verify customer ages at checkout using a third-party system, and maintain proof that products came from a licensed distributor. The bill also restricts the sale of non-tobacco, non-mint, and non-menthol flavored vapor products to stores that limit access to customers 21 and older and earn at least 25% of revenue from vapor and tobacco products. Violating these rules can result in misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines.

Maddy summaryHB 1182 requires South Dakota's Department of Health to create a public data collection system tracking assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. It mandates fertility clinics and ART providers to report annual data on embryo creation, implantation, disposition methods (like freezing, donation, or disposal), embryo transfers out of state, and pregnancy/live birth outcomes. The collected data must be compiled and published online by July 1 each year. This bill directly affects ART providers in South Dakota and aims to provide transparency on ART practices without changing existing medical procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1196 establishes rules for South Dakota's participation in an Article V constitutional convention. It requires delegates to swear an oath pledging not to support "unauthorized amendments" (those outside the convention's stated purpose) and mandates immediate recall by the Secretary of State if they violate this rule. The bill also sets qualifications for delegates, including residency requirements, voter registration, and disqualifications for recent federal employees or lobbyists. It specifies that South Dakota will not participate if the convention does not guarantee equal voting power per state. The law aims to ensure delegates strictly adhere to the convention's defined scope.

Maddy summarySB 209 authorizes local governments in South Dakota (like counties or municipalities) to create nonprofit "land banks" to address abandoned, blighted, or vacant properties. These land banks, established through a local ordinance, can acquire, manage, and develop such properties to return them to productive use - such as through redevelopment, sale, or lease. Key mechanisms include allowing land banks to sue, borrow funds, handle foreclosures, collect rent, and partner with other entities. The bill provides a clear legal framework for creating these entities but does not mandate their use or specify which properties qualify beyond the defined categories.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment (like tractors, combines, and irrigation systems) to provide independent repair shops or equipment owners with necessary repair information and tools. It mandates that manufacturers share diagnostic codes, manuals, and specialty tools under "fair and reasonable terms," while protecting trade secrets and confidential information. The law specifically covers equipment used in farming, excluding motor vehicles and industrial machinery, and applies to both current and newer equipment. This policy change directly affects farmers and independent repair businesses by expanding their ability to repair equipment without relying solely on manufacturer-approved services.