Sen. Kevin Jensen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of South Dakota to produce a report on refugee resettlement services. The report would detail how the state supports refugees who arrive and settle in the community. It directly affects state agencies responsible for managing refugee assistance programs. The provision aims to increase transparency by documenting the services provided to refugees.

Maddy summarySB 100 would modify South Dakota law to allow individuals to carry concealed firearms and other self-defense items on the campuses of public higher education institutions. The bill directly affects students, faculty, and staff at public colleges and universities within the state by changing current restrictions on carrying weapons in these locations. Key provisions would require public institutions to update their policies to permit concealed carry, provided the individual holds a valid permit and meets existing state requirements. The legislation aims to align campus security policies with broader state laws regarding firearm possession and self-defense.

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 summaryThis bill allows Class I electric bicycles to be operated on the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota. It directly affects trail users by expanding the types of vehicles permitted on this specific recreational path. The provision removes previous restrictions that may have limited electric bicycle access, enabling riders to use pedal-assist e-bikes alongside traditional bicycles and pedestrians. This change aims to increase trail accessibility while maintaining existing trail management rules.

Maddy summarySB 80 updates regulations concerning students and trainees participating in funeral service education and training programs in South Dakota. The bill modifies existing provisions to clarify requirements for supervision, instruction, and practical experience within funeral service curricula. These changes directly impact funeral service schools, educators, and individuals pursuing certification in funeral directing. The legislation aims to standardize training standards without altering the core requirements for professional licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a change in the bullet diameter allowed for hunting certain animals in South Dakota. It directly affects hunters by permitting the use of ammunition with different calibers than previously specified in state regulations. The key provision updates the legal standards for firearm ammunition used in wildlife management to accommodate new hunting equipment. This change aims to align state hunting laws with current industry practices and technological advancements in ammunition manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 would require property owners in South Dakota to remove or void any deed restrictions that prohibit or limit the possession or use of firearms and ammunition. This law directly affects homeowners and property owners who have included such restrictions in their property deeds, as the bill mandates these clauses be considered unenforceable. The key provision is that courts would not uphold any covenant attempting to restrict firearm ownership or usage on private property. This change aims to ensure that individuals can own and use firearms without legal barriers tied to their real estate ownership.

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 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.