Rep. Phil Jensen

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement agencies in South Dakota from using diversity, equity, or inclusion programs. It directly affects police departments and other law enforcement entities within the state by restricting their ability to implement such initiatives. The key provision removes the legal authority for these agencies to establish or maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This change would prevent agencies from allocating resources or developing policies specifically focused on these areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1214 provides legal immunity from certain lawsuits for security personnel working for religious organizations in South Dakota. The bill directly affects security guards employed by churches, temples, mosques, and other religious institutions, protecting them from being sued for injuries or damages that occur while they are performing their duties. Key provisions would shield these individuals from civil liability claims related to their security work, similar to protections often granted to other public safety workers. This change aims to reduce legal risks for religious organizations while maintaining their ability to employ security staff for safety purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would grant legal immunity to off-duty law enforcement officers who make a citizen's arrest or assist with a lawful arrest. The provision aims to protect these officers from civil liability when they act in this capacity. It directly affects law enforcement personnel who are not currently on duty at the time of the arrest. The bill does not change existing arrest laws but instead provides additional legal protection for specific off-duty actions.

Maddy summaryHB 1199 removes a requirement that property acquired through tax deed sales must be sold, allowing the state to retain ownership of such properties. This change directly affects the South Dakota Department of Revenue and local governments that previously had to dispose of tax deed properties. The bill eliminates the mandatory sale provision without specifying alternative actions the state must take with the properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1182 establishes a process for removing a member from a school district board through a recall mechanism. The bill allows voters within the school district to petition for a recall election if they believe a board member should be removed from office. If enough signatures are collected, an election is held where voters decide whether to replace the board member. This provision directly affects school district board members and the voters in those districts by adding a formal removal process.

Maddy summaryHB 1179 clarifies labeling and sales requirements for homemade food items sold in South Dakota. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses that prepare and sell homemade food products to consumers. It establishes specific rules for how these items must be labeled and under what conditions they can be sold legally. The legislation aims to ensure clarity and consistency in food safety standards for homemade goods without changing existing regulations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 7 (SB 7) aims to prohibit state and local government entities in South Dakota from adopting or implementing specific policies related to immigration enforcement. This measure would restrict the authority of government agencies by preventing them from creating or carrying out these particular types of policies. While the bill's title indicates a focus on "certain policies," the exact nature of these prohibited policies is not detailed. The bill directly affects these government entities and could indirectly impact individuals who might otherwise be subject to such policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota schools to display the Ten Commandments alongside other historical documents in classrooms. It mandates that these documents be included in the curriculum to provide context for students studying American history and law. The legislation affects public and private educational institutions within the state by establishing specific display and teaching requirements. This measure aims to ensure students encounter foundational legal and moral texts as part of their education.

Maddy summaryHB 1140 establishes oversight procedures for the governor's use of emergency powers in South Dakota. The bill requires the governor to submit written reports to the legislature detailing the reasons for declaring an emergency and the specific actions taken during the emergency period. It also mandates that emergency declarations include clear expiration dates and outlines the process for legislative review of emergency orders. This legislation directly affects the governor's authority to declare emergencies and impacts state agencies and officials who implement emergency measures. The bill aims to create a structured framework for accountability while maintaining the governor's ability to respond to urgent situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies South Dakota's laws regarding fluoridation in public water supplies by repealing enforcement provisions and adjusting certain requirements. It directly affects local governments and water utilities that manage public water systems in the state. The key changes involve removing specific enforcement mechanisms and altering compliance standards related to water fluoridation practices. The legislation aims to update regulatory frameworks without mandating or prohibiting fluoridation itself.