Rep. Heather Baxter

Maddy summaryHB 1090 requires the governor's office to publish notices of appointments or reappointments to state boards, commissions, councils, or other entities in the next regularly scheduled issue of the South Dakota Register. This applies to all positions the governor can appoint under state law, including filling vacancies. The bill mandates this publication as a standard step for transparency, directly affecting the governor's office and the public who access the Register. It does not change appointment powers or create new requirements beyond publication.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 establishes a one-time license fee for trailers weighing 3,000 pounds or less at initial registration, replacing annual fees for these vehicles. This affects owners of small trailers (under 3,000 lbs) by eliminating recurring registration costs. The fee is paid once when the trailer is first registered, and the registration remains valid for the trailer's useful life unless the trailer's weight exceeds 3,000 pounds or ownership transfers, requiring new registration. Trailers over 3,000 pounds or those with transferred titles remain subject to standard annual fee rules.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding South Dakota House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6006) urges the state's congressional delegation (Senators Thune and Rounds, Rep. Johnson) to end U.S. foreign aid programs and halt overseas nation-building efforts until federal debt is controlled. It cites the national debt exceeding $38 trillion, projected $1 trillion in 2026 interest payments, and a 124% debt-to-GDP ratio as justification. The resolution specifically asks the delegation to "rein in the federal debt" by halting foreign aid and advocating for congressional declarations of war before military engagements. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect and cannot alter U.S. foreign policy or budget decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1037 exempts active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces and veterans (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable) from paying resident fishing license fees in South Dakota. The bill adds a new provision to state law requiring the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to waive these fees for eligible individuals. This change directly affects military personnel and veterans who reside in South Dakota and purchase resident fishing licenses. The exemption applies to all resident fishing license fees mandated under existing state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1063 defines natural hair braiding as a service involving manual techniques like braiding, cornrowing, or weaving (using natural or synthetic fibers) without chemicals, hair-altering tools, or treatments like straightening or bleaching. The bill requires that places where this service is provided for compensation be inspected by South Dakota's Cosmetology Commission, bringing it under the state's existing cosmetology regulatory framework. It directly affects natural hair braiders operating for pay in South Dakota, ensuring their businesses meet the same inspection standards as other cosmetology service providers. The definition explicitly excludes chemical treatments, hair-altering tools, and permanent wave styles from the scope of natural hair braiding.

Maddy summaryThis commemorative resolution (HC 8001) formally recognizes National FFA Week in South Dakota for February 21-28, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture by the South Dakota Legislature to honor the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. The resolution cites FFA's role in agricultural education, youth development, and community service across the state. As a non-binding commemoration, it has no legal or financial impact on the state or its residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 expands South Dakota retailers' permitted days to sell fireworks to residents. It adds two new sales periods: May 1-June 26 and July 6-August 31 (plus December 28-January 1), requiring retailers to pay a $1,000 license fee for each period. Retailers west of the Missouri River must provide customers with fire safety laws and a fire protection district map for most sales. Violating these rules could result in a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. The bill directly affects retailers seeking to sell fireworks and residents gaining extended access to purchase them.

Maddy summaryHB 1009 clarifies the existing law allowing golf cart operation on certain highways by correcting a wording error in the speed limit description. It revises Section 32-14-15.1 to specify that golf carts may operate on state or county highways with posted speed limits of "twenty-five to thirty-five miles per hour" (previously written as "twenty-five thirty-five"). This change directly affects golf cart operators using highways with those speed limits, ensuring the law is clear and enforceable. The bill does not alter the actual speed limit or expand where golf carts may operate.

Maddy summarySB 13 clarifies that the 72-hour notice requirement for posting public meeting agendas does not include weekends or legal holidays. It directly affects state boards, commissions, and departments that must post meeting agendas online and at their offices. The bill specifies that the 72-hour countdown starts after the notice is posted, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This change makes the timing rule clearer for government entities without altering the core requirement to post agendas 72 hours before meetings.

Maddy summarySCR 601 is a symbolic Senate Concurrent Resolution (not a binding law) introduced by Senator Carley. It urges South Dakota to pursue economic policies aligned with "free market principles," emphasizing limited government, deregulation, and low taxes over tax incentives or subsidies for businesses. The resolution argues that government should only protect rights and avoid competing with private enterprise, instead focusing on "organic entrepreneurial growth." It directly affects state legislative and executive policy development by advocating for a specific philosophical approach to economic growth.