Rep. Heather Baxter

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to obtain legislative approval before spending significant amounts of money on capital projects. It directly affects state wildlife management and conservation agencies by adding a layer of oversight for major expenditures. The key provision mandates that the legislature must review and approve these spending requests, ensuring transparency in how public funds are allocated for facilities and infrastructure. This change aims to provide greater accountability for large financial decisions made by the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the allowable dates for school district bond elections in South Dakota. It directly affects school districts that need to vote on funding for school construction or improvements. The key provision expands the window of time during which these elections can be held, giving districts more flexibility in planning. This change allows local communities to schedule bond votes at times that may better suit their availability and administrative needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes parental rights as a fundamental liberty in South Dakota, explicitly protecting a parent's authority to direct their child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and moral or religious training. It prohibits state agencies, officials, and employees from interfering with these rights unless they can demonstrate a narrow, compelling interest using the least restrictive means available. The legislation also grants parents the ability to sue for damages or injunctive relief in court if their rights are violated, allowing them to recover attorney's fees if they win the case.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would require voters to be U.S. citizens. It directly affects eligibility for voting in state elections by adding a citizenship requirement to the state constitution. The amendment would be placed on the ballot for voters to approve or reject at the next general election. If passed, it would make citizenship a formal legal requirement for voting in South Dakota.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a state trust fund for unclaimed property in South Dakota. It would establish a legal framework for collecting and managing abandoned assets such as uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, and unclaimed securities. The amendment would require the state to maintain this fund and potentially use it for public purposes as defined by future legislation. This change directly affects the state's financial management system and property owners who may have forgotten assets in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1249 aims to protect landowners in South Dakota from deceptive or coercive tactics when easements or easement options are being acquired. The bill prohibits the use of fraud, harassment, intimidation, misrepresentation, or threats during the easement acquisition process. It requires that landowners receive clear, accurate information and have the opportunity to consult legal counsel before signing easement agreements. This legislation directly affects property owners and entities seeking to acquire land easements by establishing stricter standards for negotiation and disclosure.

Maddy summarySB 169 requires that a public hearing be held before a vote can be taken on imposing an excess tax levy. This bill directly affects local governments and taxpayers in South Dakota by adding a procedural step to the tax levy process. The key mechanism is the mandatory public hearing, which ensures community input is gathered before any excess tax increase is approved. This change aims to increase transparency and public participation in local tax decisions without altering the underlying tax rates or amounts.

Maddy summarySB 172 establishes a legal presumption that joint physical custody is in the best interest of a minor child during custody disputes. This means courts will generally start with the assumption that both parents should share physical care of the child unless one parent can prove that shared custody would be harmful. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody cases by shifting the initial burden of proof to the parent opposing joint custody. This change aims to promote shared parenting arrangements while still allowing exceptions when joint custody would not serve the child's welfare.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 authorizes the use of a newborn safety device, commonly known as a baby box, to allow parents to voluntarily surrender their newborn infants safely. The bill permits hospitals and other facilities to operate these devices and provides a legal framework for the surrender process without requiring parental identification. It also includes clarifying changes to existing laws to ensure the procedure is properly documented and handled by medical professionals. This measure aims to provide a safe alternative for parents who cannot care for their newborns while protecting the child's well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the South Dakota Attorney General to file a lawsuit against the People's Republic of China and related parties to seek damages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure would direct state legal officials to pursue financial compensation on behalf of the state for losses attributed to the pandemic. It does not specify the exact amount sought or the legal grounds for the claim, leaving those details to the Attorney General's discretion. The bill would only become active if passed by the South Dakota legislature and signed into law.