Rep. Aaron Aylward

Maddy summaryHB 1068 permits students to wear certain military decorations at school graduation ceremonies and includes provisions for declaring emergencies. The bill directly affects students, schools, and emergency management officials in South Dakota. It allows for the display of approved military honors during graduation events while establishing procedures for emergency declarations. The legislation focuses on ceremonial recognition and administrative processes without advocating for specific political outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the maximum number of off-sale alcohol licenses from two to three in South Dakota municipalities and counties with populations of 1,000 or fewer. The change would allow these smaller communities to issue one additional license for establishments selling alcohol for off-premises consumption. Local governments in these areas would have the authority to grant the extra license if they choose to do so. The legislation does not mandate the issuance of additional licenses but expands the available capacity for local licensing decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require a 60% affirmative vote from voters to pass any future constitutional changes in South Dakota. It directly affects all South Dakota voters by raising the approval threshold above the current majority requirement. The key mechanism is changing the voting rule so that measures need supermajority support rather than a simple majority. This change would make it more difficult to amend the state constitution but does not alter any existing constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would require voters to be U.S. citizens. It directly affects eligibility for voting in state elections by adding a citizenship requirement to the state constitution. The amendment would be placed on the ballot for voters to approve or reject at the next general election. If passed, it would make citizenship a formal legal requirement for voting in South Dakota.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to apply to the United States Congress under Article V of the Constitution to call for a constitutional convention aimed at establishing term limits for members of Congress. The measure would direct the state legislature to formally request this convention, which is one of the methods specified in the Constitution for proposing amendments. If enacted, the bill would initiate a process to gather signatures and submit a formal application to the federal government, setting the stage for a national debate on congressional term limits. The bill does not itself create term limits but seeks to trigger a constitutional process that could lead to such changes if approved by the required number of states.

Maddy summarySB 172 establishes a legal presumption that joint physical custody is in the best interest of a minor child during custody disputes. This means courts will generally start with the assumption that both parents should share physical care of the child unless one parent can prove that shared custody would be harmful. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody cases by shifting the initial burden of proof to the parent opposing joint custody. This change aims to promote shared parenting arrangements while still allowing exceptions when joint custody would not serve the child's welfare.

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 amends the subpoena authority of South Dakota's Government Operations and Audit Committee, allowing it to issue subpoenas to witnesses and gather information related to its oversight duties. The change directly affects the committee's ability to investigate state agency operations and enforce compliance with audit requirements. By updating the legal framework for subpoenas, the bill strengthens the committee's procedural tools without altering its core responsibilities or scope. The provision applies specifically to the committee's existing investigative functions rather than creating new oversight powers.

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.