Rep. Aaron Aylward

Maddy summaryHB 1009 clarifies the existing law allowing golf cart operation on certain highways by correcting a wording error in the speed limit description. It revises Section 32-14-15.1 to specify that golf carts may operate on state or county highways with posted speed limits of "twenty-five to thirty-five miles per hour" (previously written as "twenty-five thirty-five"). This change directly affects golf cart operators using highways with those speed limits, ensuring the law is clear and enforceable. The bill does not alter the actual speed limit or expand where golf carts may operate.

Maddy summarySCR 601 is a symbolic Senate Concurrent Resolution (not a binding law) introduced by Senator Carley. It urges South Dakota to pursue economic policies aligned with "free market principles," emphasizing limited government, deregulation, and low taxes over tax incentives or subsidies for businesses. The resolution argues that government should only protect rights and avoid competing with private enterprise, instead focusing on "organic entrepreneurial growth." It directly affects state legislative and executive policy development by advocating for a specific philosophical approach to economic growth.

Maddy summarySB 1 authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to purchase and exchange specific properties, including funding for these transactions. It also declares an emergency to expedite the process. This bill directly affects the DOC and the properties involved in the transactions, with no broader policy changes beyond property management. The bill was enacted after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 amends South Dakota laws governing restrictions on obscene materials in public libraries and school libraries. The bill modifies existing provisions to clarify how libraries may limit access to certain content while maintaining their role as community resources. It directly affects library administrators, patrons, and educational institutions by updating the legal framework for content restrictions. The legislation focuses on revising specific statutory language rather than introducing new restrictions or expanding existing ones.

Maddy summaryHB 1062 amends the laws governing how South Dakota maintains and publishes its statewide voter registration file. The bill directly affects the state's election officials and the public who access voter records. Key provisions likely update procedures for data management, access rules, or publication requirements for voter information. This change aims to clarify or modify existing regulations without altering the fundamental right to vote. The legislation focuses on administrative processes rather than substantive voting policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1130 establishes specific permissible dates for municipal and school district elections in South Dakota. The bill directly affects local governments and school districts by setting the allowable timeframes when these elections can be held. It requires election officials to schedule votes within the newly defined date ranges rather than allowing flexible timing. This change standardizes election scheduling across the state to ensure consistency in local governance processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1066 modifies South Dakota's voter registration residency requirements, directly affecting individuals seeking to register to vote in the state. The bill adjusts the time period that applicants must reside in the state before they can register, though the specific duration is not detailed in the provided text. This change aims to update the rules governing who is eligible to participate in the voter registration process. The legislation focuses on procedural adjustments to state election laws without altering the fundamental right to vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove the current rule requiring judges to appear on a separate, nonpartisan ballot section in South Dakota elections. The change would allow judicial candidates to be listed on the same ballot as other political candidates, potentially integrating them into the standard partisan election format. Directly affected are judicial candidates, election officials, and voters who currently see judges on a distinct ballot section. The provision eliminates the existing separation requirement without altering how judges are elected or their qualifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the amount of proceeds from a homestead sale or court-ordered division that are exempt from creditors' claims. It directly affects homeowners in South Dakota who may be selling their property or facing a legal division of their home. The key mechanism involves raising the dollar threshold for protected funds, ensuring more money remains with the homeowner rather than being used to satisfy debts. This change aims to provide greater financial security for residents during property transitions or legal proceedings. The legislation does not alter other aspects of homestead protection laws or affect non-residential properties.

Maddy summarySB 68 would require individuals to be U.S. citizens before they are eligible to vote in South Dakota elections. The bill establishes a penalty for voting without meeting this citizenship requirement. It directly affects all voters in the state by adding a citizenship verification condition to the existing voting qualifications. This legislation does not change other voting rules but specifically adds citizenship as a mandatory eligibility criterion.