Sen. Jamie Smith

Maddy summarySB 209 authorizes local governments in South Dakota (like counties or municipalities) to create nonprofit "land banks" to address abandoned, blighted, or vacant properties. These land banks, established through a local ordinance, can acquire, manage, and develop such properties to return them to productive use - such as through redevelopment, sale, or lease. Key mechanisms include allowing land banks to sue, borrow funds, handle foreclosures, collect rent, and partner with other entities. The bill provides a clear legal framework for creating these entities but does not mandate their use or specify which properties qualify beyond the defined categories.

Maddy summaryHB 1223 revises South Dakota's occupational therapy regulations by clarifying the scope of practice for therapists. The bill specifically limits the use of physical agent modalities (like heat, cold, or electrical treatments) to the upper extremities and requires therapists to be certified for these techniques. It updates definitions in the law to ensure occupational therapists, assistants, and aides operate within clearly defined boundaries, directly affecting licensed occupational therapy professionals in the state. This is a technical clarification, not a policy expansion.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6012) is a symbolic gesture honoring the YMCA's 175th anniversary of service across the United States and in South Dakota. It recognizes the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding basketball, providing childcare, and serving over 17 million people annually through programs for youth, families, and communities. The resolution specifically acknowledges South Dakota's YMCA chapters, which serve nearly the entire state with 1,274 staff and 1,000 volunteers. The bill does not create new laws or alter policies; it solely expresses legislative appreciation for the YMCA's community impact.

Maddy summarySB 140 requires South Dakota correctional facilities to deposit 25% of inmate earnings from prison work into a personal savings account. This savings account cannot be used to pay court fines, fees, or other debts owed by the inmate. Upon release (via parole, suspended sentence, or discharge), the inmate receives the full balance of this savings account. Additionally, any interest earned on these savings must be deposited into the state's crime victims' compensation fund. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals working in state prisons and modifies how their earnings are handled.

Maddy summaryHB 1114 requires South Dakota to submit specific mental health information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for three groups: individuals acquitted by reason of insanity, those found incompetent to stand trial, and people involuntarily committed as dangers to self or others. The bill mandates that this information be transmitted to NICS within one business day but automatically removed after 18 months. It also requires notifying the affected person or their guardian about both the submission and removal. The law prohibits including diagnosis or treatment details in the reports, focusing solely on identifying information.

Maddy summaryHCR 6001 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota. It directly addresses DHS and aims to benefit law enforcement personnel serving South Dakota’s nine federally recognized tribal nations, including those working in culturally specific contexts. The resolution requests DHS collaborate with tribal leaders and state agencies to design training programs tailored to tribal communities’ unique needs. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally asks DHS to consider South Dakota as a location for such an academy. The resolution emphasizes South Dakota’s existing partnerships with tribal nations and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in law enforcement training.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 requires terminal care facilities (hospitals, inpatient hospice, or residential hospice) to permit terminally ill patients with a medical cannabis card to store and use medical cannabis within the facility. It mandates that patients provide their registry card and a physician's note documenting the need, while prohibiting smoking or vaping on-site. Facilities must establish policies for administration and storage but are not required to procure or administer cannabis. This applies only to patients with a terminal condition (life expectancy under one year) and excludes emergency departments. The bill does not override federal enforcement actions against facilities that comply with federal law.

Maddy summarySB 13 clarifies that the 72-hour notice requirement for posting public meeting agendas does not include weekends or legal holidays. It directly affects state boards, commissions, and departments that must post meeting agendas online and at their offices. The bill specifies that the 72-hour countdown starts after the notice is posted, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This change makes the timing rule clearer for government entities without altering the core requirement to post agendas 72 hours before meetings.

Maddy summaryHB 1161 allows South Dakota to accept additional forms of documentation to verify military service when veterans apply for commercial driver's licenses or commercial learner's permits. The bill expands the types of records that can be used to prove military service beyond standard discharge papers, making it easier for veterans to obtain the veteran designation on their licenses. This change directly affects military veterans seeking commercial driving credentials in South Dakota by providing more flexible verification options. The legislation does not alter the requirements for obtaining a commercial license itself, only the documentation needed to qualify for the veteran designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of real property in South Dakota to include specific questions about the property's historical significance on their disclosure statement. The provision directly affects home sellers and buyers by mandating that sellers answer designated questions regarding the property's history before a sale is finalized. This change aims to provide buyers with more information about potential historical aspects of the property they are purchasing. The bill does not alter ownership rights or impose penalties, but rather adds a disclosure requirement to the standard real estate transaction process.