Rep. Tony Randolph

Maddy summaryHB 1321 requires county treasurers to calculate excise tax on used vehicles sold by private individuals (not licensed dealers) using the amount listed on the bill of sale, rather than the vehicle's retail value from a dealer guide. It directly affects private sellers and buyers of used vehicles, as well as county tax offices responsible for collecting the tax. The bill mandates that both parties submit a bill of sale to the treasurer; if missing, tax is assessed based on the dealer guide value. This change replaces the previous default method for private sales, ensuring tax is calculated from the actual transaction amount documented on the bill of sale.

Maddy summarySB 92 clarifies the process for appealing or referring decisions made by county commissioners regarding land use or zoning changes. It directly affects county commissioners, residents, and petitioners who challenge or seek to refer such decisions. Key provisions require commissioners to publish adoption notices in a legal newspaper, with decisions taking effect 20 days later unless a referendum is triggered. The bill also specifies that rejection of requests follows separate procedures under existing law. This is a procedural clarification with no new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 6010 is a non-binding resolution passed by the South Dakota legislature urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 *Obergefell v. Hodges* decision, which established same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. The resolution expresses the legislature's view that *Obergefell* conflicted with constitutional principles and state authority over marriage, citing arguments about judicial overreach and the state's 2006 voter-approved definition of marriage. This resolution has no legal effect and does not change marriage laws in South Dakota or elsewhere. It serves solely as a symbolic statement of legislative opinion.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 requires South Dakota's Department of Public Safety to make the state's organ donation registry accessible online 24/7, allowing registered donors or authorized individuals to verify their status anytime. It directly affects South Dakotans who are organ donors or considering donation, as well as organ procurement organizations and donation agencies that need to access registry information. The bill mandates that the registry must allow online registration, amendment, revocation, and verification of donor status, while ensuring personally identifiable information is protected and only used for determining donation status near death. This change streamlines access to the registry without altering the underlying donation process or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1243 requires all South Dakota public schools to display the state motto, "Under God the People Rule," in a prominent location like an entryway or cafeteria. Schools may use a mounted plaque, student artwork, or other approved form chosen by the principal. The bill also mandates that the state Attorney General provide free legal representation and cover related costs - including damages, fees, and expenses - for school districts, employees, or board members facing lawsuits over displaying the motto. This applies to both the state motto and the national motto when displayed per this law.

Maddy summarySB 112 would recognize physical gold and silver coins (specie) as legal tender in South Dakota starting July 1, 2027. It allows private parties to use gold/silver for mutual debt payments and state/local governments to accept them for taxes/fees if they agree, though no one must accept them except by mutual agreement or through authorized electronic payment systems. The bill establishes definitions for "bullion depository" (secure storage for gold/silver) and "electronic payment system" (digital platforms backed by physical bullion), requiring the state treasurer to set rules for these systems. It directly affects residents, businesses, and government entities by adding gold/silver as an optional payment method under specific conditions. The state treasurer would designate storage facilities and authorize payment systems to enable transactions using physical gold/silver.

Maddy summaryHB 1207 extends the retention period for election materials in South Dakota from 60 days to 22 months after an election. It affects municipal, school district, and non-federal election officials who handle ballots and voting records. The bill standardizes the timeline across all election types - previously, non-federal elections had a 60-day retention period, while federal elections already required 22 months. Election officials may now destroy materials only after this 22-month period, ensuring records remain available for audits or recounts. Federal elections remain unchanged at 22 months but are now explicitly included in the unified timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 revises South Dakota's regulations for birth centers and certified professional midwives. It requires birth centers to obtain a license from the Department of Health (with a $500 fee), mandates risk assessments to confirm low-risk pregnancies before admission, and requires written care plans addressing each client's medical and emotional needs. The bill also mandates that a practitioner or registered nurse be on-site during active labor and repeals the previous requirement that birth centers be within 30 minutes of a hospital. These changes directly affect birth centers, certified midwives, and patients seeking care at these facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1212 repeals a provision that previously shielded women from criminal liability for unlawful abortions. It removes the exception that prevented homicide charges when an abortion caused an unborn child's death, making such cases subject to standard homicide laws (Class B felony). The bill directly affects women seeking abortions and medical providers performing them, as it eliminates prior legal protections for abortion-related deaths. Exceptions for lifesaving procedures to preserve the mother's life or spontaneous miscarriages remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 1124 makes it a felony to enter or remain within 1,000 feet of a place of worship with intent to disrupt services, harass attendees, or intimidate through political means. Violators face a Class 5 felony charge. The bill defines "place of worship" as any building regularly used for religious activities, identifiable by design, signs, or features. This law directly affects individuals who intentionally trespass near religious sites with the prohibited intentions.