Rep. Mary Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota to add a notation indicating United States citizenship status on driver's licenses, permits, and nondriver identification cards. The change would affect all individuals applying for these documents within the state, as the new requirement would be applied during the issuance process. The bill does not restrict who can obtain these documents but instead mandates that citizenship status be visibly marked on the card itself. This policy update aims to provide clearer identification of citizenship status for state-issued credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the signature requirement for petitions used to initiate constitutional amendments in South Dakota. It directly affects citizens who wish to propose changes to the state constitution by altering the number of valid signatures needed on these petitions. The key provision changes the threshold of voter signatures required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, making the process more or less accessible depending on the new numerical requirement. This change impacts the procedural steps for citizens seeking to propose constitutional changes but does not alter the content or approval process for amendments themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes counties in South Dakota to work together to operate a shared office for county directors of equalization. It directly affects county governments by allowing them to collaborate on administrative functions related to property assessment and tax equalization. The key provision permits multiple counties to pool resources and staff for this specific role, potentially reducing individual county costs. The legislation focuses on operational cooperation rather than changing existing tax laws or assessment standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal offenses for boat operators in South Dakota and sets corresponding penalties for violations. It directly affects individuals who operate boats within the state's waters by defining specific prohibited behaviors and outlining consequences for non-compliance. The legislation creates a legal framework to enforce safety standards and address misconduct among boat operators through defined criminal charges and punishment measures.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 aims to update South Dakota laws related to school bus safety and establishes penalties for violations. The bill directly affects school bus operators, drivers, and law enforcement officers by defining specific safety requirements and consequences for noncompliance. Key provisions likely include updated rules for bus operation, maintenance standards, and enforcement measures to ensure student safety during transportation. This legislation focuses on clarifying existing regulations and providing a structured framework for addressing safety concerns in school bus operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Class I electric bicycles to be operated on the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota. It directly affects trail users by expanding the types of vehicles permitted on this specific recreational path. The provision removes previous restrictions that may have limited electric bicycle access, enabling riders to use pedal-assist e-bikes alongside traditional bicycles and pedestrians. This change aims to increase trail accessibility while maintaining existing trail management rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funds to purchase, store, and distribute sexual assault evidence kits in South Dakota. The appropriation directly supports law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories that handle these kits. The funds are intended to ensure proper inventory management and distribution of the kits to relevant facilities. This measure addresses logistical needs without changing existing legal procedures for sexual assault investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 would require property owners in South Dakota to remove or void any deed restrictions that prohibit or limit the possession or use of firearms and ammunition. This law directly affects homeowners and property owners who have included such restrictions in their property deeds, as the bill mandates these clauses be considered unenforceable. The key provision is that courts would not uphold any covenant attempting to restrict firearm ownership or usage on private property. This change aims to ensure that individuals can own and use firearms without legal barriers tied to their real estate ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 1068 permits students to wear certain military decorations at school graduation ceremonies and includes provisions for declaring emergencies. The bill directly affects students, schools, and emergency management officials in South Dakota. It allows for the display of approved military honors during graduation events while establishing procedures for emergency declarations. The legislation focuses on ceremonial recognition and administrative processes without advocating for specific political outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to apply to the United States Congress under Article V of the Constitution to call for a constitutional convention aimed at establishing term limits for members of Congress. The measure would direct the state legislature to formally request this convention, which is one of the methods specified in the Constitution for proposing amendments. If enacted, the bill would initiate a process to gather signatures and submit a formal application to the federal government, setting the stage for a national debate on congressional term limits. The bill does not itself create term limits but seeks to trigger a constitutional process that could lead to such changes if approved by the required number of states.