Rep. Bethany Soye

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would require a general election to occur between the rejection of an initiated constitutional amendment or measure and any future attempt to pass a new one on the same subject. The change directly affects voters and state legislators by adding a procedural step that prevents immediate reconsideration of rejected ballot measures. If passed, this mechanism would ensure that at least one full election cycle must pass before citizens can attempt to reintroduce a similar constitutional change or initiative. The amendment aims to provide additional time for public discussion and reflection on controversial topics before allowing a second vote on the same issue.

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 prohibits the state of South Dakota from using eminent domain to acquire private property for the construction of pipelines transporting carbon dioxide. It directly affects landowners and communities that might otherwise face forced property acquisition for such infrastructure projects. The key provision restricts the government's power of eminent domain specifically to carbon oxide pipeline projects, leaving other types of pipeline projects unaffected. This change aims to limit government authority over private property rights in the context of carbon capture and storage infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThe bill requires websites hosting material harmful to minors to implement age verification systems. It directly affects online platforms that distribute such content and their users. The legislation mandates that these sites verify a user's age before allowing access to protected material. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in penalties for the website operators. This measure aims to restrict access to age-inappropriate content while establishing clear enforcement consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to revise and eventually repeal a fee that requires employers to contribute to South Dakota's future investment fund. The legislation directly affects businesses and employers within the state who currently pay this fee. Key provisions would modify the existing requirements and establish a timeline for eliminating the fee entirely. The bill aims to change how employer contributions are handled and managed under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the senior class of the Sioux Falls Lincoln High School Patriots Marching Band for their accomplishments. It designates the group with a formal recognition from the state legislature. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the band's achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires websites hosting content harmful to minors to implement age verification systems. It directly affects online platforms that host such material, mandating they verify users' ages before access. The legislation establishes penalties for websites that fail to comply with these age verification requirements. This measure aims to restrict minors' access to potentially harmful online content through mandatory verification protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online application stores to verify the age of individuals before they can access certain applications. It directly affects digital platforms that distribute software and the users who download them. The law mandates that these stores implement age verification checks to prevent minors from accessing applications that may be restricted by age. This change aims to ensure compliance with age-related restrictions on digital content.

Maddy summaryHB 1185 prohibits the use of public education funds for lobbying activities in South Dakota. This law directly affects school districts and state education agencies by restricting how taxpayer money designated for education can be spent. The bill ensures that funds intended for schools and educational programs cannot be diverted to support political advocacy or influence legislation. By limiting the use of these specific public moneys, the measure aims to maintain a clear distinction between educational funding and political spending.

Maddy summaryHB 1243 requires non-individual entities, such as corporations or government agencies, to disclose their ownership when exercising eminent domain powers. This provision applies to any organization that takes private property for public use and aims to increase transparency in the process. The bill mandates that these entities reveal who ultimately owns or controls them before proceeding with property acquisition. This change is designed to help property owners understand who is making decisions about land use and compensation.