Rep. Phil Jensen

Maddy summaryHB 1294 prohibits any person from conducting geoengineering within South Dakota. The bill defines geoengineering as large-scale climate interventions, specifically including carbon dioxide removal or reflecting sunlight away from Earth. Violating this prohibition is classified as a Class 6 felony. This law directly affects individuals or entities attempting these specific climate interventions within the state. The bill establishes a clear criminal penalty for such actions, focusing on preventing large-scale atmospheric or oceanic climate modification.

Maddy summarySB 92 clarifies the process for appealing or referring decisions made by county commissioners regarding land use or zoning changes. It directly affects county commissioners, residents, and petitioners who challenge or seek to refer such decisions. Key provisions require commissioners to publish adoption notices in a legal newspaper, with decisions taking effect 20 days later unless a referendum is triggered. The bill also specifies that rejection of requests follows separate procedures under existing law. This is a procedural clarification with no new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 6013 is a non-binding resolution encouraging South Dakota's U.S. congressional representatives to meet annually with the state Legislature. It proposes that each member of the delegation meet for at least one hour with the Legislature (as a joint committee) to discuss federal government actions and their work representing South Dakota. The resolution does not require the delegation to attend or create new obligations, but formally invites them to engage with state lawmakers. This is a procedural gesture focused on fostering communication, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1325 prohibits South Dakota's public universities (controlled by the Board of Regents) from requiring students to live in on-campus housing or buy meal plans after their first year of enrollment. This directly affects undergraduate students at institutions like the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. The bill removes mandatory requirements for housing and meal plans beyond a student's initial academic year. It does not change first-year housing or meal plan policies but gives returning students the choice to live off-campus or arrange their own meals. The law takes effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1266 defines "public employees" to include state/local government workers, school staff, and public service personnel. It prohibits using official authority for political interference, soliciting political contributions in the workplace, coercing political activity, or engaging in political activity during work hours or in government facilities. The bill also restricts using state resources or vehicles for political purposes while allowing employees to vote, express political views, campaign, and contribute to political causes outside work hours. These rules align with federal standards for public employee conduct and apply to all state and local government roles covered by the law.

Maddy summaryHB 1031 revises South Dakota's rape offense definitions and increases penalties, primarily affecting victims under 13 and perpetrators convicted of sexual crimes against minors. It adds new circumstances to rape definitions (e.g., victim incapacity due to intoxication) and establishes a 15-year minimum sentence for first offenses involving victims under 13. The bill also removes the statute of limitations for rape cases involving victims under 13 or using force/coercion, allowing charges to be filed until the victim turns 25. These changes directly impact criminal sentencing for sexual offenses and extend legal accountability for certain victims.

Maddy summarySB 141 exempts sales of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal products directly to consumers at qualifying farmers' markets from South Dakota's sales tax. It applies specifically to recurring public markets where multiple independent farmers and producers sell agricultural goods directly to shoppers. The bill removes the tax burden on these transactions, benefiting both small-scale farmers who sell at markets and consumers purchasing locally grown or made products. This policy change directly affects farmers' market operators and shoppers at these venues within South Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 amends South Dakota law to clarify exemptions for certain sex offenders regarding loitering in community safety zones. It specifically adds that the prohibition does not apply if the offender was under 18 at the time of the offense and was not tried or convicted as an adult, or if a court has granted an exemption under § 22-24B-28. The bill directly affects registered sex offenders who meet these specific juvenile offense criteria. The amendment does not change the felony penalties (Class 6 for first offense, Class 5 for repeat offenses) or the core prohibition against loitering in safety zones or public libraries. This is a technical revision to the existing statute (§ 22-24B-24) with no new policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 155 strengthens legislative oversight by expanding subpoena and document-request powers to both the Government Operations and Audit Committee and the Judiciary Committees in the House and Senate. It prohibits retaliation against state employees, consultants, or contractors who cooperate with investigations, allowing civil lawsuits for damages, back pay, or whistleblower rewards up to $50,000. The bill also extends a two-year ban on former state officials (including department heads) working as lobbyists or accepting contracts they previously approved, with violations now classified as felonies. These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in state government operations.

Maddy summaryHCR 6010 is a non-binding resolution passed by the South Dakota legislature urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 *Obergefell v. Hodges* decision, which established same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. The resolution expresses the legislature's view that *Obergefell* conflicted with constitutional principles and state authority over marriage, citing arguments about judicial overreach and the state's 2006 voter-approved definition of marriage. This resolution has no legal effect and does not change marriage laws in South Dakota or elsewhere. It serves solely as a symbolic statement of legislative opinion.