Rep. Phil Jensen

Maddy summaryHB 1197 allows teachers in South Dakota to help students review scientific information in an objective manner. The bill authorizes educators to guide students through examining scientific data and concepts without bias. This provision directly affects public and private school teachers and students in the state. The legislation aims to ensure that science education includes balanced and factual instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits clients from making gifts or bequests to their attorneys through wills or other testamentary documents. The law directly affects individuals who might otherwise leave property to their lawyers and attorneys who could receive such gifts. Under this provision, any testamentary gift from a client to their own lawyer would be considered invalid and unenforceable. The measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring clients do not benefit financially from their legal representation through inheritance.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 217, proposes to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment for counting ballots in South Dakota elections. If enacted, this change would require all votes cast by citizens to be counted manually by election officials, directly affecting how election results are determined statewide. The core provision of the bill is a ban on the use of machines for vote tabulation, mandating a shift to human counting for all future elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how South Dakota courts review decisions made by state agencies when interpreting laws, rules, or policies. Currently, courts often give significant weight to agency interpretations, but this legislation would require courts to independently evaluate whether those interpretations are reasonable rather than deferring to the agency's judgment. The change directly affects state agencies that issue regulatory interpretations and the courts that review those interpretations. By shifting the standard of review, the bill aims to ensure judicial oversight of administrative actions without necessarily overturning specific agency decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires utility companies in South Dakota to obtain a customer's consent before installing a smart meter for any utility service. The key provision mandates that customers must explicitly agree to the installation rather than having it done automatically. This change directly affects residential and commercial utility customers who currently might have smart meters installed without their permission. The bill aims to give consumers more control over the technology used to measure their energy consumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs school district boards in South Dakota to create policies restricting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices during instructional time. The measure would require schools to establish clear guidelines on when and how students may use these devices while classes are in session. It aims to give school administrators the authority to limit distractions and maintain focus in the classroom. The policy would apply to all public school districts within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in South Dakota from interfering with federal immigration enforcement activities. It requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration-related matters and restricts local officials from creating policies that contradict federal immigration laws. The legislation directly affects county sheriffs, municipal police departments, and other local government entities by limiting their ability to challenge or obstruct federal immigration operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts warrantless searches of taxidermy businesses in South Dakota. It directly affects business owners and law enforcement officers by requiring a warrant before authorities can search these specific establishments. The key provision mandates that law enforcement must obtain a search warrant from a judge before conducting a search, rather than searching without one. This change aims to protect the privacy and property rights of taxidermy business owners while maintaining legal oversight for law enforcement activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to honor Joelle Simpson of Rapid City by designating her as Miss South Dakota. The legislation would formally recognize her title within the state's records and likely involve ceremonial acknowledgment of her achievement. It directly affects Joelle Simpson and the state's official recognition of its Miss America representatives. The bill does not alter existing laws or policies but serves as a commemorative measure to acknowledge her role in the state's pageant history.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 requires public school classrooms in South Dakota to display either the state seal or the state motto. This law directly affects school administrators and educators by mandating the physical presence of these symbols in learning environments. The bill does not specify exact placement or size requirements, leaving implementation details to individual school districts. This measure aims to ensure visible representation of state identity within public education settings.