Rep. Josephine Garcia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Division of Highway Patrol to conduct mental health assessments for individuals being considered for employment. The provision directly affects job applicants seeking positions within the highway patrol agency by adding a specific screening requirement. The key mechanism involves mandating that these assessments be completed as part of the hiring process to evaluate potential candidates' mental fitness. This change aims to ensure that all employees meet established mental health standards before being hired for law enforcement roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of state funds and provides an appropriation for the operations of the South Dakota State Library. It directly affects the state library by ensuring it has the necessary financial resources to continue its functions. The key mechanism involves moving specific moneys from one state account to another and allocating additional funds for library operations. This legislative action supports the library's ability to serve the public without changing its core mission or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of drones to assess real property for taxation purposes in South Dakota. It directly affects local tax assessors, property owners, and drone operators who might otherwise use aerial technology for property valuation. The legislation establishes penalties for anyone who violates this ban, ensuring that property assessments continue to rely on traditional methods rather than unmanned aerial vehicles. By restricting drone usage in this specific context, the bill aims to maintain established assessment procedures while preventing unauthorized aerial surveillance for tax evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain health insurance policies in South Dakota to cover biomarker testing for specific medical conditions. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these insurance plans who may need genetic or molecular tests to guide their treatment. The key provision mandates that insurers include these tests in their coverage without additional cost to the patient. This change aims to ensure access to diagnostic tools that can inform personalized medical care decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from engaging with "natural asset companies," which are defined as entities holding rights to manage or restore ecological resources like soil, water, and biodiversity. It bans state agencies from leasing public land to these companies, investing state money in them, or entering into any business agreements that would grant them an interest in state resources. Additionally, the bill prevents natural assets from being transferred to such companies and requires the Secretary of State to revoke or deny business licenses for any entity that operates as a natural asset company. The law explicitly excludes nonprofits, privately held farms, and companies providing physical ecosystem services from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes that South Dakota apply to the U.S. Congress for a constitutional convention to propose amendments focused on limiting federal government power. The requested amendments would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, further restrict its jurisdiction, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials. If approved by enough states, this application could lead to a constitutional convention where proposed changes would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution. The bill directly affects South Dakota's role in the federal constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to honor healthcare workers who died or were at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota. It would likely establish a formal recognition program or memorial to acknowledge their service and sacrifice. The measure does not create new funding or policy changes but focuses on commemorative recognition. It directly affects state officials responsible for memorial initiatives and the families of affected healthcare workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes hazing as a specific crime in South Dakota and outlines penalties for those who commit it. It directly affects individuals who participate in or organize hazing activities, as well as institutions that may allow such behavior. The legislation defines hazing as acts that endanger physical or mental health and sets forth criminal consequences for violations. By creating a clear legal framework, the bill aims to provide law enforcement and courts with specific grounds for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota schools to include mental health education in their health curriculum standards. It directly affects public and private schools by mandating that students receive instruction on mental health topics. The legislation establishes specific educational requirements without specifying particular content details or implementation timelines. Schools must integrate these mental health components into their existing health education programs to comply with the new standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 prohibits insurance companies in South Dakota from requiring patients to pay any portion of the cost for specific breast imaging tests, including diagnostic and supplemental examinations. This law directly affects individuals with health insurance in the state by ensuring these breast imaging services are covered at no out-of-pocket expense to the patient. The bill removes cost-sharing requirements such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance that would otherwise apply to these particular medical procedures. By eliminating these financial barriers, the legislation aims to improve access to breast imaging services for insured residents without changing the underlying insurance coverage structure.