Rep. Phil Jensen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires applicants seeking permits for carbon dioxide transmission facilities from the Public Utilities Commission of South Dakota to submit an environmental impact statement. The provision ensures that potential environmental effects of these facilities are formally evaluated before approval. This change directly affects companies and developers applying for such permits and the regulatory body reviewing them. The bill mandates a specific procedural step to assess environmental consequences without altering the underlying approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of paid petition circulators in South Dakota and establishes penalties for violations. It directly affects individuals who collect signatures on petitions and organizations that employ them for this purpose. The legislation requires petition circulators to be volunteers rather than compensated workers, aiming to ensure the authenticity of the signature collection process. Violations of this rule would result in legal penalties as specified in the bill. The measure focuses on regulating the method of petition gathering without addressing the content of the petitions themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the South Dakota State Investment Council to consider investing state funds in Bitcoin. It directly affects the State Investment Council and the state's investment portfolio by recommending the inclusion of cryptocurrency as an investment option. The resolution does not mandate any specific action but serves as a formal recommendation to the council's leadership. It is a non-binding measure that expresses legislative support for exploring Bitcoin investments without creating legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1202 would allow the South Dakota state government to allocate funds to invest in Bitcoin. The bill directly affects state financial institutions and officials responsible for managing public funds. It authorizes the state to purchase and hold Bitcoin as part of its investment portfolio, subject to existing financial regulations. This change would enable the state to participate in cryptocurrency markets alongside traditional investment options.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 modifies South Dakota laws regarding improper fee collection in veterans benefits matters. The bill directly affects veterans, their families, and professionals who assist with veterans benefits applications or referrals. It establishes clearer rules about when fees are considered improper and outlines penalties for those who violate these fee collection standards. The legislation aims to protect veterans from excessive or unauthorized charges while maintaining oversight of the benefits assistance process.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 modifies tuition benefits for dependents and spouses of disabled and deceased veterans in South Dakota. The bill adjusts eligibility requirements and benefit amounts for these family members, ensuring they maintain access to educational funding under specific conditions. It directly affects military families who rely on state-supported tuition assistance programs. The legislation outlines updated procedures for verifying veteran status and calculating benefit distributions to affected households.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies property tax limits for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota by adjusting the maximum mill levy allowed for school district general funds. It also removes certain sales tax exemptions that currently apply to specific transactions. The changes directly impact homeowners and local school districts by altering how much property tax revenue can be levied for general educational purposes. These adjustments aim to modify existing tax structures without changing the fundamental purpose of school funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a tax exemption for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota, directly affecting homeowners who live in their primary residences. The legislation limits property taxes by capping the amount due based on the previous year's tax value, preventing significant increases in one year. This mechanism ensures that homeowners pay a maximum of the prior year's tax amount, offering financial stability for residential property owners. The policy change applies specifically to single-family dwellings and does not extend to commercial or multi-unit properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1088 increases penalties for individuals who cause death while distributing Schedule I or II controlled substances in South Dakota. The bill directly affects people involved in drug distribution who are charged with resulting fatalities. Under this legislation, offenders face enhanced sentencing compared to previous laws, with specific provisions targeting the link between drug distribution and death. The law aims to address public safety concerns by holding distributors more accountable when their actions lead to fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school employees in South Dakota to obtain parental or guardian permission before using a name other than a minor student's legal name. It also prohibits schools from forcing the use of gendered language that does not match a student's biological sex. The law directly affects school districts, the Board of Regents, and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. These provisions aim to establish clear rules for how students' names and gender-related language are handled in educational settings.