Rep. Tony Randolph

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a formal agreement among states to support the Electoral College system and reject the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. It invites states to join an Electoral College Interstate Compact to ensure the Electoral College remains the method for electing the President and Vice President. The legislation directly affects state legislators and state governments by establishing a framework for inter-state cooperation on election procedures. The bill does not change the current voting process but seeks to strengthen the existing Electoral College system through a formal interstate agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would tie the state's obligation to expand Medicaid coverage to the level of federal funding provided for the program. It directly affects South Dakota residents and the state government by establishing a condition under which expanded Medicaid benefits must be implemented. The key provision requires that the state only expand Medicaid if the federal government contributes a sufficient level of financial assistance, effectively making state participation dependent on federal financial support levels. This change would alter the state's current Medicaid obligations by adding a financial condition precedent to the expansion requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from using eminent domain to acquire private property for the construction of pipelines transporting carbon dioxide. It directly affects landowners and communities that might otherwise face forced property acquisition for such infrastructure projects. The key provision restricts the government's power of eminent domain specifically to carbon oxide pipeline projects, leaving other types of pipeline projects unaffected. This change aims to limit government authority over private property rights in the context of carbon capture and storage infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryHB 1124 removes a requirement for individuals to possess a registry card in South Dakota. This change directly affects people who previously needed to carry physical documentation to prove their registration status. The bill eliminates this possession mandate without altering the underlying registration system itself. As a result, individuals can maintain their registry status through other means without needing to carry the card.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state to set aside contractor's excise tax collections from Ellsworth Air Force Base into a dedicated fund. The legislation creates a specific financial account to hold these tax revenues separately from the general state budget. It also provides an appropriation to establish and maintain this fund for future use. The measure directly affects the state's financial management of taxes collected from contractors operating at the military base.

Maddy summaryHB 1166 strengthens penalties for individuals or organizations that violate South Dakota's right-to-work laws, which prohibit requiring employees to join a union as a condition of employment. The bill directly affects employers, labor unions, and employees by increasing fines and potential legal consequences for those who enforce union membership requirements. Key provisions establish stricter enforcement measures and higher monetary penalties for violations of the state's right-to-work statutes. This legislation aims to provide clearer consequences for non-compliance with existing right-to-work protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the South Dakota state government from using public funds for any activities related to cell-cultured protein, including research, production, promotion, sales, or distribution. It directly affects state agencies and departments that might otherwise allocate taxpayer money toward this emerging food technology. The legislation prevents state investment in cell-cultured protein by explicitly banning the use of state moneys for its development and commercialization. This policy change restricts public financial support for a specific type of alternative protein production method.

Maddy summaryThe bill requires websites hosting material harmful to minors to implement age verification systems. It directly affects online platforms that distribute such content and their users. The legislation mandates that these sites verify a user's age before allowing access to protected material. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in penalties for the website operators. This measure aims to restrict access to age-inappropriate content while establishing clear enforcement consequences.