Maddy summarySouth Dakota Senate Bill 190 establishes specific rights for parents regarding their minor children's upbringing, education, health care, and mental health decisions. The bill requires state agencies, schools, and employees to obtain parental consent before performing medical procedures, mental health evaluations, prescription medications, or biometric scans on minors - except in emergencies where immediate harm is imminent. It also grants parents access to their children's medical and school records, the right to direct religious instruction, and the ability to withdraw children from school activities or instruction on gender topics. The law explicitly states these rights do not override prohibitions against child abuse or neglect.
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Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit South Dakota governments from using eminent domain to transfer private property to private companies or non-governmental entities solely for economic development or increased tax revenue. It would require any property transfer to serve a clear public purpose, such as infrastructure or public services, rather than benefiting private interests. The amendment would apply to all state and local government actions involving property takings and must be approved by voters at the next general election. If adopted, it would change how governments can acquire property for development projects.
Maddy summarySB 93 prohibits state employees who approve, award, or administer state contracts from working for the organizations that received those contracts after leaving state service. For contracts under $1 million, this creates a one-year waiting period; for contracts over $1 million, it extends to two years. The bill allows exceptions if a governing body authorizes the arrangement through written disclosure and approval, ensuring the arrangement is fair and in the public interest. This applies to employees handling contracts within their official duties, excluding unpaid or per diem roles.
Maddy summarySB 156 modifies South Dakota's animal cruelty law by adding a new classification for the most severe cases. It makes it a Class 4 felony to commit cruelty "in an especially depraved, heinous, sadistic, or wicked manner," elevating penalties for extreme acts. This directly affects individuals convicted of particularly brutal animal cruelty, moving such cases from lower-level offenses to felony charges. The bill specifically amends Section 40-1-2.4 of South Dakota law to establish this higher penalty tier.
Maddy summaryHB 1105 prevents property owners in specific areas from using contracts or declarations to block healthcare services on commercial property. It applies to municipalities/townships under 3,000 people (per federal census) or areas officially designated as medically underserved by South Dakota’s Department of Health. The bill invalidates any contract or declaration that restricts the use of commercial property for healthcare services like clinics, diagnoses, or treatment in these areas. This directly affects property owners and developers who previously could impose such restrictions, while enabling healthcare providers to operate in underserved communities.
Maddy summaryHB 1067 creates a legal presumption in South Dakota that joint physical custody (approximately equal time with both parents) is in the best interest of a minor child for initial custody decisions. This means courts must assume joint custody is appropriate unless evidence shows it would harm the child, based on factors like parental cooperation or the child's needs. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody disputes by shifting the starting point for court decisions toward shared parenting. It defines joint physical custody as roughly equal time-sharing agreed upon by parents or ordered by a court, and repeals a prior section that handled custody determinations. Courts must still make written findings about the child's best interests.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit property taxes in South Dakota to no more than 1% of a property's assessed value. It also caps annual increases to assessed property values at 2% (starting with 2027 valuations) and allows adjustments for ownership changes, renovations, or damage. The amendment would affect all real property owners in South Dakota by restricting how local governments can levy taxes on their land and buildings. Voters would need to approve this change at the next general election for it to take effect.
Maddy summaryHB 1080 allows veteran business owners to display military specialty plates on noncommercial vehicles (like personal cars or vans) registered to their business, provided the veteran is listed as an additional owner on the vehicle's title. It also limits the veteran's personal liability for damages from accidents involving these business vehicles. The bill requires the veteran to meet standard military plate eligibility and vehicle registration rules, with a $10 additional fee for the specialty plates. This directly affects veteran business owners who operate noncommercial vehicles under their business registration.
Maddy summarySB 199 creates a Property Tax Relief Fund in the state treasury to help reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses. The fund is funded by transferring 25% of the annual increase in the state's general fund revenue each August into the account, starting in 2026. Local governments (political subdivisions) can use these funds to lower property tax levies on real property within their jurisdictions. The Department of Revenue administers the fund, and deposits automatically adjust based on state revenue changes each year. This provides a structured, ongoing mechanism for property tax relief tied to state budget growth.
Maddy summarySB 91 clarifies the process for citizens to request changes to a county's comprehensive plan or zoning ordinances by setting specific deadlines. It requires county commissioners to hold a public hearing within 45 days of receiving a petition, and mandates the county planning commission to review the request and provide a recommendation within 45 days of the petition's submission. This bill directly affects residents, property owners, and local government officials by streamlining the petition process and ensuring timely responses. The key mechanism adds clear timeframes to existing procedures, reducing delays in reviewing land-use change requests. The bill focuses solely on procedural timing, not on the substance of zoning decisions.