Rep. Mellissa Heermann

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7001) is a symbolic recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, scheduled for July 4, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, organizations, or policies; it is purely commemorative. The resolution acknowledges the historical significance of the Declaration, highlights contributions from diverse groups (including indigenous nations and immigrants) to U.S. development, and encourages reflection on foundational principles like liberty and democracy. South Dakota's House of Representatives formally resolves to celebrate this milestone as a moment to honor the nation's past and future.

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 summaryThis bill updates and repeals existing laws regarding how hospitals in South Dakota must report their charge information. It directly affects healthcare facilities and the state agencies responsible for collecting and analyzing medical billing data. The legislation modifies the requirements for hospitals to submit charge data, likely adjusting the frequency, format, or scope of reporting obligations. By repealing previous provisions, the bill aims to streamline or modernize the process for tracking hospital pricing information.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 clarifies the definition of a teleconference for open meeting laws in South Dakota, directly affecting government bodies that hold meetings using remote communication technology. The bill specifies that teleconferences must still comply with open meeting requirements, ensuring transparency when officials meet remotely. This change aims to prevent ambiguity about whether virtual meetings count as open meetings under state law. The legislation applies to all public entities required to follow open meeting procedures when conducting business through teleconference formats.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to be registered voters in South Dakota before they can sponsor petitions for ballot measures. It directly affects petition sponsors by adding a voter registration requirement to their eligibility. The key provision mandates that petition sponsors must meet the same voter registration standards as other voters in the state. This change ensures that only registered voters can initiate ballot measure campaigns.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employers in South Dakota to purchase and distribute over-the-counter opioid antagonists to their employees. The legislation creates a legal exception to existing laws that typically restrict the distribution of such medications by non-medical personnel. It directly affects businesses and their staff by permitting them to provide these drugs as a workplace harm reduction measure. The bill does not require a prescription for the antagonists, enabling easier access for employees at risk of opioid overdose.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 allocates funding to establish a student teacher stipend grant program in South Dakota. The bill directly affects university students pursuing teaching certifications by providing financial assistance to cover their costs while completing student teaching requirements. Key provisions include setting aside specific budget amounts for stipend payments and outlining eligibility criteria for recipients. This measure aims to support pre-service teachers through the practical training phase of their education.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 aims to update South Dakota laws related to school bus safety and establishes penalties for violations. The bill directly affects school bus operators, drivers, and law enforcement officers by defining specific safety requirements and consequences for noncompliance. Key provisions likely include updated rules for bus operation, maintenance standards, and enforcement measures to ensure student safety during transportation. This legislation focuses on clarifying existing regulations and providing a structured framework for addressing safety concerns in school bus operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funds to purchase, store, and distribute sexual assault evidence kits in South Dakota. The appropriation directly supports law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories that handle these kits. The funds are intended to ensure proper inventory management and distribution of the kits to relevant facilities. This measure addresses logistical needs without changing existing legal procedures for sexual assault investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the requirements for the annual judicial opinions report prepared by the Legislative Research Council in South Dakota. It clarifies which specific legal opinions must be included in the report, ensuring consistency in how judicial decisions are documented. The change directly affects the Legislative Research Council and the public who review the annual report. The bill does not alter the content of the opinions themselves but rather specifies the scope of opinions that must be compiled. This adjustment aims to improve transparency and clarity in the reporting process without changing existing judicial procedures.