Rep. Phil Jensen

Maddy summarySB 104 requires the publication of cast vote records from automatic tabulating equipment used in elections and allocates funding to support this process. The bill directly affects election officials and state agencies responsible for managing voting systems and election records. By mandating the release of these records, the legislation aims to increase transparency in how votes are counted and recorded during elections. The appropriation provision ensures that necessary resources are available to implement and maintain this publication requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 would require South Dakota to issue birth certificates and certain official documents that reflect an individual's biological sex rather than gender identity. The bill mandates that state agencies use the sex assigned at birth when recording information on these documents, which would affect parents, medical providers, and individuals requesting official records. This change would apply to all new birth certificates issued in the state and could impact how other government documents reference sex information. The legislation aims to ensure consistency in how biological sex is recorded across state records.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would require petition signatures for constitutional amendments to be gathered from every county in the state. The change aims to ensure broader geographic representation by preventing amendments from being driven solely by voters in densely populated areas. If passed, this would alter the current process by mandating a more distributed collection of signatures across the state. The amendment would directly affect citizens seeking to propose constitutional changes through the petition process.

Maddy summarySB 101 proposes a tax credit designed to reduce property taxes for owners whose assessed property values have increased compared to the previous year. The bill directly affects property owners in South Dakota by providing financial relief when their property taxes rise. The key mechanism involves calculating the difference in property taxes between the current and prior year, then applying a credit to offset the increase. This policy change aims to limit the tax burden on individuals experiencing property value growth without altering the underlying tax rates.

Maddy summaryThe bill proposes to differentiate between new construction and improvements to existing buildings when calculating property tax revenue increases. It aims to ensure that only new construction projects contribute to revenue growth, while improvements to existing structures are treated differently. This change directly affects property owners and local governments by altering how property tax assessments are calculated. The legislation seeks to create a clearer distinction in tax liability based on the type of building development.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides property tax relief to senior citizens who own and occupy single-family homes in South Dakota. It establishes a tax exemption or reduction for eligible homeowners meeting specific age and residency requirements. The legislation aims to lower the financial burden of property taxes for qualifying seniors by modifying how their property values are assessed or taxed. The measure directly affects elderly homeowners and local taxing authorities, with no changes to the broader tax code structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1207 aims to update the legal definition and penalties for rape in the first degree in South Dakota. The bill revises existing provisions to clarify what constitutes the crime and establishes specific punishment guidelines for those convicted. It directly affects individuals charged with or convicted of first-degree rape, as well as the state's criminal justice system. The legislation seeks to ensure the laws align with current legal standards while maintaining consistent sentencing for this serious offense.

Maddy summarySB 213 proposes to exempt all food produced within South Dakota from state sales tax. This measure would directly affect local farmers and producers by removing the sales tax burden on their goods. The bill would apply to any food grown, raised, or produced in the state, regardless of whether it is sold to consumers or businesses. By eliminating the tax, the legislation aims to support in-state agriculture without changing the tax structure for out-of-state products.

Maddy summarySB 49 prohibits the use of eminent domain to acquire private property for constructing certain facilities in South Dakota. This bill directly affects government entities and private landowners by restricting the state's power to take property for specific projects without voluntary agreement. The key provision prevents forced acquisition of land for these designated facilities, requiring landowners to consent to any transfer. The legislation aims to protect private property rights by limiting the circumstances under which the government can exercise eminent domain.

Maddy summaryHB 1101 seeks to repeal existing provisions related to medical marijuana in South Dakota. This bill would directly affect individuals who currently hold medical marijuana cards and healthcare providers who dispense the substance. The key mechanism involves removing legal protections and regulations that allow for the medical use of cannabis within the state. If enacted, this action would eliminate the current framework governing medical marijuana access and distribution.