Rep. Dylan Jordan

Maddy summaryHB 1004 authorizes voters to remove county commissioners through a recall process. It requires petitions signed by 15% of district voters or 5% of county voters (based on the last general election), with signatures valid only within 60 days of filing. The petition must state specific grounds for removal, such as corruption, incompetence, or misconduct, and triggers a special election within 60 days to replace the commissioner. This bill directly affects county commissioners and voters in South Dakota counties, establishing a new procedure for their removal.

Maddy summarySB 66 prohibits South Dakota election officials from using automatic tabulating equipment or electronic ballot marking systems for any election. The bill requires all ballots to be hand-counted manually in public view, replacing electronic processing with paper-based counting. It directly affects county auditors, precinct election boards, and all election administrators responsible for ballot handling and counting. The law mandates that ballots must be printed on paper (not processed electronically), with all vote counts performed manually after polls close, eliminating electronic tabulation entirely.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 requires South Dakota's Board of Education to amend administrative rules by September 2026 to update high school graduation coursework requirements. The bill mandates specific credit counts: 4 units of language arts (including writing, speech, and American literature), 3 social studies units (U.S. history and government), 3 math units (including Algebra I), 3 science units (including biology), plus required courses in personal finance, fine arts, physical education, health, and electives. It allows substitutions for one science credit using approved advanced computer science or agriculture science courses (but not for biology), and permits up to one fine arts credit through extracurricular activities with documented alignment to state standards. This directly affects all South Dakota public high school students and school districts implementing graduation standards.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6003) recognizes conservation and restoration practices - such as native vegetation restoration, stream rehabilitation, and beaver dam analogues - as critical for addressing water shortages and reducing wildfire risks in South Dakota's Black Hills region. It specifically commends organizations like the Black Hills Watershed Collaborative, landowners, and community groups working on these projects. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges these efforts' role in improving water availability, fire mitigation, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. It serves as a symbolic statement of legislative support for ongoing community-led conservation work.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring Madisen Younie as 2025 South Dakota Girls State Governor and Brody Tynan as 2025 South Dakota Boys State Governor. It also recognizes the South Dakota American Legion and Auxiliary for their decades-long sponsorship of the Girls State and Boys State programs, which educate youth about U.S. government through hands-on learning. The resolution formally expresses legislative appreciation for these young leaders and the Legion's long-term coordination of the programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 6002 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, who was assassinated in 2025 at age 31. The resolution recognizes his work founding Turning Point USA at 18, his advocacy for free markets and constitutional liberties, and his influence through media and policy advising. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely symbolic. The resolution urges South Dakota citizens to reflect on Kirk’s legacy and extends condolences to his family. This is a procedural honor without legal or practical impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1008 requires South Dakota schools to amend administrative rules to allow students to earn high school credit for participation in extracurricular athletics. Specifically, it permits up to one fine arts credit (max 1/4 credit per activity per year) and up to one-half physical education credit (max 1/4 credit per varsity athletic activity per year) through school-sanctioned activities. School districts must document how these activities align with state standards for fine arts and physical education. The amendment must be filed by September 30, 2026, directly affecting South Dakota high school students and school districts.

Maddy summarySB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 1061 requires most retail businesses in South Dakota to accept cash payments for in-person purchases under $100, where the customer chooses cash and the seller is physically present. Businesses cannot charge higher prices for using cash, and the law applies only to face-to-face transactions meeting these conditions. Exemptions include credit unions, security deposits requiring credit cards, and airplane sales. The bill also mandates that state offices accept cash for public fees under $100 when paid in person.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 establishes a one-time license fee for trailers weighing 3,000 pounds or less at initial registration, replacing annual fees for these vehicles. This affects owners of small trailers (under 3,000 lbs) by eliminating recurring registration costs. The fee is paid once when the trailer is first registered, and the registration remains valid for the trailer's useful life unless the trailer's weight exceeds 3,000 pounds or ownership transfers, requiring new registration. Trailers over 3,000 pounds or those with transferred titles remain subject to standard annual fee rules.