Rep. Aaron Aylward

Maddy summaryHB 1253 adjusts how property taxes are calculated for owner-occupied single-family homes and nonagricultural land by using a special averaging method. It requires county assessors to set each property's taxable value based on the "Olympic average" (removing the highest and lowest values) of its fair market value over the past eight years, or since a recent change in use or addition. This aims to stabilize tax bills by smoothing out annual value fluctuations. The bill specifically prevents this adjustment from increasing taxes on agricultural properties. It directly affects homeowners and nonagricultural property owners in South Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1241 increases the property tax exemption amount for disabled veterans and surviving spouses in South Dakota. It amends existing law (§ 10-4-40 for veterans and § 10-4-41 for surviving spouses) to raise the value of a primary residence exempt from property taxes. Currently set at $225,000, this exemption applies to owner-occupied homes where the veteran is permanently and totally disabled from service-connected injuries, or to surviving spouses of such veterans. To qualify, applicants must submit a confidential form to the Department of Revenue and maintain occupancy; the exemption ends if they sell the home, stop living there, or remarry (for surviving spouses).

Maddy summarySB 114 requires South Dakota election officials to make ballot images (digital copies of paper ballots) and cast vote records (electronic records showing how votes were counted) publicly available as public records. However, it prohibits releasing these records if they include voter-identifying details like names, timing of votes, or incomplete precinct data. Specifically, records from precincts with fewer than 100 ballots must be redacted to remove ballot style identifiers and combined with records from other precincts before public release. This law applies directly to local election officials responsible for managing and releasing election data.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawk girls wrestling team for their athletic achievements. It officially recognizes the team's success, including winning the Region 2 tournament for the second consecutive year and having thirteen wrestlers qualify for the state tournament. The resolution specifically acknowledges individual accomplishments, noting that two wrestlers won state championships and all qualifiers won their placement round matches. The bill also credits the coaching staff for their leadership and support of the team.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that recognizes the historical significance of the buffalo to Native American tribes in South Dakota and celebrates their return to tribal lands. It acknowledges the near extinction of buffalo in the 19th century and highlights the current efforts by tribal nations, conservation groups, and community partners to restore the species. The resolution emphasizes the cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance of buffalo restoration for future generations. This type of bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves to formally acknowledge and honor a significant cultural and environmental milestone.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring the 2025-2026 Canton C-Hawks boys wrestling team for their athletic achievements. It formally recognizes the team's ninth consecutive state championship win in Region 2B and lists the individual wrestlers and coaches who contributed to their success. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment by the South Dakota Legislature of the team's accomplishments and community support.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that officially recognizes the Wall High School Eagles as the 2025 Class 9A State Football Champions. It formally acknowledges the team's undefeated 12-0 season, record-breaking scoring performance, and championship victory over Howard High School. The resolution also honors the individual achievements of players and coaches who contributed to the team's success. This measure serves as an official record of the accomplishment rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Josie Hill, a University of South Dakota women's basketball player, by officially recognizing her athletic achievements and community contributions. The legislation acknowledges her success at high school, Chicago State University, and her current role at the University of South Dakota, where she has become a role model for Indigenous youth. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but instead formally records the state's appreciation for her accomplishments. The measure is sponsored by Representative Pourier and serves as a tribute rather than a functional policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that formally honors the legacy and strength of grandmothers in South Dakota. It recognizes their vital roles as caregivers, cultural leaders, and community pillars across diverse backgrounds including tribal traditions. The resolution acknowledges the sacrifices grandmothers make in raising families and preserving cultural heritage without granting any new laws or funding. This symbolic measure serves to publicly acknowledge their contributions rather than enact policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Jeremy Ask, the wrestling coach at Canton C-Hawks in South Dakota. It recognizes his achievements as a two-time state champion wrestler and highlights his coaching milestones, including becoming the first coach in state history to lead both girls and boys teams to state championships in the same year. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to high school wrestling in Canton and South Dakota through the 101st Legislature. No new laws or policies are enacted; the bill serves solely as an official recognition of his accomplishments.