Rep. Phil Jensen

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employers in South Dakota to purchase and distribute over-the-counter opioid antagonists to their employees. The legislation creates a legal exception to existing laws that typically restrict the distribution of such medications by non-medical personnel. It directly affects businesses and their staff by permitting them to provide these drugs as a workplace harm reduction measure. The bill does not require a prescription for the antagonists, enabling easier access for employees at risk of opioid overdose.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the South Dakota State Brand Board to sign a memorandum of understanding with any Indian tribe to investigate cattle theft. The agreement would allow tribal authorities and state officials to share information and coordinate efforts to track stolen livestock across jurisdictional lines. This provision aims to improve cooperation between state agencies and tribal governments in addressing livestock theft cases. The bill directly affects the State Brand Board, tribal law enforcement, and cattle owners in South Dakota.

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 proposes to decrease the portion of unclaimed property funds that must be deposited into South Dakota's general fund. It directly affects the state's financial management of unclaimed assets by altering how much revenue is transferred to the general fund. The key mechanism involves reducing the net receipts from unclaimed property that are required for general fund allocation. This change would result in less unclaimed property revenue being available for general state operations while potentially increasing funds retained elsewhere.

Maddy summaryHB 1067 is a procedural bill that seeks to define the term "must" within South Dakota state laws and regulations. The legislation would establish a specific legal interpretation for this word to ensure consistency across various statutes. This clarification primarily affects state agencies, courts, and legal professionals who apply these laws. The bill aims to reduce ambiguity in legal documents by providing a standardized definition for this common term.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a change in the bullet diameter allowed for hunting certain animals in South Dakota. It directly affects hunters by permitting the use of ammunition with different calibers than previously specified in state regulations. The key provision updates the legal standards for firearm ammunition used in wildlife management to accommodate new hunting equipment. This change aims to align state hunting laws with current industry practices and technological advancements in ammunition manufacturing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to obtain legislative approval before spending significant amounts of money on capital projects. It directly affects state wildlife management and conservation agencies by adding a layer of oversight for major expenditures. The key provision mandates that the legislature must review and approve these spending requests, ensuring transparency in how public funds are allocated for facilities and infrastructure. This change aims to provide greater accountability for large financial decisions made by the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the allowable dates for school district bond elections in South Dakota. It directly affects school districts that need to vote on funding for school construction or improvements. The key provision expands the window of time during which these elections can be held, giving districts more flexibility in planning. This change allows local communities to schedule bond votes at times that may better suit their availability and administrative needs.

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 establishes parental rights as a fundamental liberty in South Dakota, explicitly protecting a parent's authority to direct their child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and moral or religious training. It prohibits state agencies, officials, and employees from interfering with these rights unless they can demonstrate a narrow, compelling interest using the least restrictive means available. The legislation also grants parents the ability to sue for damages or injunctive relief in court if their rights are violated, allowing them to recover attorney's fees if they win the case.