Maddy summaryHB 1104 revises application requirements for South Dakota's special license plates and parking permits for people with disabilities. It specifies that certification for these benefits must come from licensed physicians, physician assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, or certified nurse practitioners (all licensed under Title 36), stating the applicant has a "substantial physical disability" that makes walking impossible or causes substantial hardship. The bill clarifies that applications for both license plates and portable parking permits must be submitted through county treasurers, with no fee charged for the plates. It also includes penalties for fraud (Class 1 misdemeanor) or failure to surrender permits when no longer needed (Class 2 misdemeanor).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1197 clarifies the court where adoption cases must be filed in South Dakota. It specifies that adoption petitions must be filed in a county where the adopting parent resides, the child's care agency is located, or the child was born/resides - unchanged from current law. The bill streamlines the language of existing rules without adding new options or altering the process. This procedural update directly affects adoption cases and the courts handling them, ensuring clarity in venue selection. (2 sentences, as it is a procedural clarification).
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Harrisburg Tigers gymnastics team for winning the 2026 Class AA state gymnastics championship in South Dakota. The legislation highlights the team's achievements, including their conference victories, final score, and individual accomplishments by team members and coaches. It serves as an official commendation from the state legislature without changing any laws or policies.
Maddy summaryHB 1065 would require individuals facing cannabis-related charges to possess a registry identification card to use a legal defense claiming they are permitted to possess cannabis. Currently, South Dakota law does not mandate this card for such defenses, but the bill would amend § 34-20G-53 to make it a requirement. This change would directly affect people charged with cannabis offenses who attempt to rely on this specific defense in court. The bill creates a new condition for accessing this defense, requiring the card as a prerequisite for its use.
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 115 removes a specific rule that previously prohibited hunting mourning doves on highways or public rights-of-way in South Dakota. The bill amends existing law to allow hunting mourning doves (previously excluded) in areas where small game hunting is otherwise permitted on highways and public rights-of-way. This change directly affects hunters who wish to pursue mourning doves near roads or public pathways that were previously restricted. The bill does not alter other hunting rules, safety zones, or penalties related to firearm discharge near dwellings or schools.
Maddy summaryHB 1201 authorizes South Dakota booster clubs (like school or community groups) to operate bingo games, lotteries, and pull-tab devices for fundraising. The bill adds booster clubs to the list of organizations allowed to host these activities under existing rules, requiring them to follow specific safeguards: prizes cannot exceed $2,000 per play, they must provide 30 days' written notice to local governments before events, and no one can be paid more than minimum wage (or $60/hour) for organizing sessions. It also clarifies that booster clubs can use mechanical pull-tab devices under the same conditions as other eligible groups. This changes current law to explicitly permit these fundraising methods for booster clubs while maintaining oversight and financial restrictions.
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 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 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.