Rep. Heather Baxter

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally acknowledges and celebrates the sister-state relationship between South Dakota and Taiwan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two regions. The resolution is intended to honor the existing partnership without altering any legal or governmental procedures.

Maddy summarySB 190 establishes an education tax credit program in South Dakota designed to provide school choice for families. The bill allows eligible taxpayers to claim credits against their state income tax for contributions made to private school tuition assistance programs. This mechanism aims to reduce the financial burden on families seeking to enroll their children in private or charter schools. The legislation directly affects South Dakota residents who file state income taxes and families interested in private education options.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change the passenger restrictions for drivers holding a restricted minor's driving permit in South Dakota. The key provision would adjust the maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle driven by a minor with this specific permit. This change directly affects young drivers and their parents or guardians who must comply with the new passenger limits. The bill does not specify the exact numerical change but aims to revise the existing rules governing these permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a standardized system to award academic credit or certification for military service in South Dakota. It would establish clear guidelines for how veterans can receive recognition for their service through educational institutions. The legislation aims to streamline the process by setting uniform standards across different schools and organizations. This change would directly benefit military service members seeking academic credit for their training and experience. The bill focuses on administrative procedures rather than altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state government agencies to obtain legislative approval for certain long-term or high-value real property leases needed for operations. It directly affects state departments and agencies that enter into lease agreements for facilities or equipment. The key provision mandates that leases exceeding specified duration or rental payment thresholds must be reviewed and approved by the legislature before becoming effective. This change aims to increase oversight of state spending on property rentals by ensuring legislative bodies evaluate significant lease commitments.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits clients from making gifts or bequests to their attorneys through wills or other testamentary documents. The law directly affects individuals who might otherwise leave property to their lawyers and attorneys who could receive such gifts. Under this provision, any testamentary gift from a client to their own lawyer would be considered invalid and unenforceable. The measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring clients do not benefit financially from their legal representation through inheritance.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 217, proposes to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment for counting ballots in South Dakota elections. If enacted, this change would require all votes cast by citizens to be counted manually by election officials, directly affecting how election results are determined statewide. The core provision of the bill is a ban on the use of machines for vote tabulation, mandating a shift to human counting for all future elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing the South Dakota Constitution to require more voter signatures on petitions for constitutional amendments or ballot measures. It directly affects citizens who wish to initiate legislative proposals through the petition process by increasing the signature threshold. The key mechanism is raising the number of required signatures, making it more difficult to place such measures on the ballot. This change would apply to future elections and alter the current rules for citizen-initiated legislation in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1247 proposes changes to the licensure requirements for massage therapists in South Dakota. The bill would modify the current standards for obtaining a massage therapy license and establishes penalties for individuals who practice without meeting these new requirements. These changes directly affect massage therapists seeking licensure and the public they serve. The legislation aims to clarify professional standards and provide enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how South Dakota courts review decisions made by state agencies when interpreting laws, rules, or policies. Currently, courts often give significant weight to agency interpretations, but this legislation would require courts to independently evaluate whether those interpretations are reasonable rather than deferring to the agency's judgment. The change directly affects state agencies that issue regulatory interpretations and the courts that review those interpretations. By shifting the standard of review, the bill aims to ensure judicial oversight of administrative actions without necessarily overturning specific agency decisions.