Rep. Heather Baxter

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit real property taxes in South Dakota to a flat rate. It would directly affect property owners across the state by capping the amount of tax they can be charged on their real estate. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election before taking effect. This change aims to provide greater predictability and stability for property owners by preventing tax rates from fluctuating beyond the established flat limit.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 modifies South Dakota laws regarding improper fee collection in veterans benefits matters. The bill directly affects veterans, their families, and professionals who assist with veterans benefits applications or referrals. It establishes clearer rules about when fees are considered improper and outlines penalties for those who violate these fee collection standards. The legislation aims to protect veterans from excessive or unauthorized charges while maintaining oversight of the benefits assistance process.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 modifies tuition benefits for dependents and spouses of disabled and deceased veterans in South Dakota. The bill adjusts eligibility requirements and benefit amounts for these family members, ensuring they maintain access to educational funding under specific conditions. It directly affects military families who rely on state-supported tuition assistance programs. The legislation outlines updated procedures for verifying veteran status and calculating benefit distributions to affected households.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies property tax limits for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota by adjusting the maximum mill levy allowed for school district general funds. It also removes certain sales tax exemptions that currently apply to specific transactions. The changes directly impact homeowners and local school districts by altering how much property tax revenue can be levied for general educational purposes. These adjustments aim to modify existing tax structures without changing the fundamental purpose of school funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a tax exemption for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota, directly affecting homeowners who live in their primary residences. The legislation limits property taxes by capping the amount due based on the previous year's tax value, preventing significant increases in one year. This mechanism ensures that homeowners pay a maximum of the prior year's tax amount, offering financial stability for residential property owners. The policy change applies specifically to single-family dwellings and does not extend to commercial or multi-unit properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1250 updates the rules for how legal documents must be served in South Dakota, affecting attorneys, court staff, and individuals involved in legal proceedings. The bill modifies requirements for proof of service, specifying how documents like complaints and motions must be delivered and documented to ensure proper notification. These changes aim to clarify the process by which legal parties confirm that opposing sides have received necessary court papers. The legislation does not alter substantive legal rights but focuses on procedural standards for document delivery and verification.

Maddy summaryHB 1088 increases penalties for individuals who cause death while distributing Schedule I or II controlled substances in South Dakota. The bill directly affects people involved in drug distribution who are charged with resulting fatalities. Under this legislation, offenders face enhanced sentencing compared to previous laws, with specific provisions targeting the link between drug distribution and death. The law aims to address public safety concerns by holding distributors more accountable when their actions lead to fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school employees in South Dakota to obtain parental or guardian permission before using a name other than a minor student's legal name. It also prohibits schools from forcing the use of gendered language that does not match a student's biological sex. The law directly affects school districts, the Board of Regents, and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. These provisions aim to establish clear rules for how students' names and gender-related language are handled in educational settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the U.S. Congress and President to eliminate the requirement for project labor agreements on federal construction projects. It directly affects contractors and workers involved in federally funded construction work by seeking to remove a specific contractual condition. The key provision is a formal request to federal lawmakers to change existing regulations that mandate such agreements. The bill does not alter state laws but instead advocates for a change in federal policy regarding labor practices on government-funded construction sites.

Maddy summarySB 104 requires the publication of cast vote records from automatic tabulating equipment used in elections and allocates funding to support this process. The bill directly affects election officials and state agencies responsible for managing voting systems and election records. By mandating the release of these records, the legislation aims to increase transparency in how votes are counted and recorded during elections. The appropriation provision ensures that necessary resources are available to implement and maintain this publication requirement.