Rep. Tim Goodwin

Maddy summarySB 81 clarifies South Dakota's law against harming service animals by specifying that it is illegal to maliciously beat, injure, harass, or interfere with a service animal that is controlled by a person with a disability and wearing a harness or control device. The bill directly affects individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals and anyone who might harass or harm such animals. It explicitly defines "service animal" as a dog trained to perform tasks directly related to a person's disability (per federal guidelines), excluding emotional support, comfort, or crime deterrent effects. The law makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to violate these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1188 clarifies that law enforcement, highway patrols, or authorized personnel must arrange for the removal of disabled vehicles (or spilled cargo) from highways, roadside areas, or public waters if they obstruct traffic or create safety hazards. Vehicle owners are responsible for all removal costs incurred by the state or local agencies. The bill limits liability for officials and removal agencies, stating they cannot be held liable for damages to the vehicle, cargo, or personal property unless there was gross negligence or willful misconduct during removal. This directly affects vehicle owners (who pay costs) and public safety officials (who gain liability protection under defined conditions).

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it illegal to intentionally claim a pet as a service animal in public places to gain access or privileges, such as entering businesses or venues. It specifically defines "service animal" as a dog trained for disability-related tasks (excluding emotional support or comfort), per federal guidelines. Violating this law is a Class 2 misdemeanor, directly affecting individuals who falsely represent pets and businesses that may be misled by such claims. The law aims to protect genuine service animal users and prevent misuse of public accommodations.

Maddy summaryHB 1143 allows students with diabetes to possess and self-administer nasal glucagon (a medication for severe low blood sugar) on school property or at school events. It directly affects students diagnosed with diabetes who require this specific treatment. The bill requires a licensed healthcare provider’s diagnosis, written parent authorization, and a physician’s statement detailing the medication’s purpose, dosage, and administration guidelines to be kept on file at the school. Schools must maintain these documents in the student’s health record or with the school nurse. This change expands existing provisions for asthma and anaphylaxis medications to include nasal glucagon for diabetes management.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota would join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing physician assistants (PAs) licensed in other participating states to practice in South Dakota without obtaining a separate state license. This directly affects PAs - especially active-duty military personnel and their spouses - who can use their existing license from another participating state to practice in South Dakota. The key mechanism is the "Compact Privilege," which permits PAs to provide medical services where the patient is located, while maintaining patient safety through existing state licensing board oversight. This reduces licensing barriers for PAs and improves access to medical care across state lines.

Maddy summarySouth Dakota's SB 87 ensures counties cover the full cost of forensic medical examinations for victims of sexual assault or rape, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for victims. The bill specifies covered costs include physician services, necessary tests (like STD screenings and pregnancy tests), supplies, and medications, with payments capped at Medicaid rates. It allows minors aged 16+ to consent to exams without parental permission and permits exams for protected persons without guardian consent, provided informed consent is obtained. Hospitals and clinics cannot bill victims beyond these Medicaid-based limits, and must notify victims of their no-cost access regardless of cooperation with law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 revises South Dakota's penalties for repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. It targets individuals with five or more prior DUI convictions within 15 years (down from 25 years), requiring a mandatory minimum six-year prison sentence for a sixth or subsequent offense, with at least one year on parole. The bill mandates specific monitoring tools like ignition interlocks or alcohol bracelets during supervision and extends driver's license revocation periods, with limited exceptions for employment or medical needs after completing treatment. These changes apply directly to repeat DUI offenders meeting the revised conviction thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 138 revises South Dakota's school board election recount process by requiring recounts to be completed before the annual board meeting. It affects candidates who lose by a margin of two percent or less, allowing them to request a recount within five days of the official vote count. The bill clarifies that recounts must be finished prior to the annual board meeting specified in §13-8-10, rather than relying on prior ambiguous timing. This change ensures recounts conclude in time for the board's regular meeting schedule without altering the request window or recount board composition rules.

Maddy summarySB 101 is a procedural bill that clarifies South Dakota's requirements for presidential electors. It updates timing deadlines (changing references from "nine a.m." to "11 a.m. central time") for electors to notify the Governor of their presence and readiness, and refines procedures for filling vacancies if electors fail to appear. This directly affects South Dakota's presidential electors and state officials handling election logistics. The bill makes technical adjustments to existing election code without altering voting outcomes or elector qualifications.

Maddy summarySB 220 directs South Dakota's Department of Corrections to conduct a study evaluating juvenile correctional and residential facilities. The study must examine best practices, therapeutic housing models, vocational training combined with mental health services, and staff-to-youth ratios, including inspections at three facilities outside South Dakota. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to cover study costs and requires a written report to the Legislative Research Council by September 1, 2026. This is a procedural study bill with no direct policy changes or new requirements for facilities, solely aimed at gathering information for future decisions.