Sen. Kyle Schoenfish

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires South Dakota's Department of Education to apply to the U.S. Department of Education for authority to create a new assessment system. If approved, the state must develop and implement an assessment model that meets specific federal requirements, including measuring student growth in reading and math, aligning with existing academic standards, using science-based literacy practices, and reinforcing foundational math skills. The bill directly affects South Dakota public schools and the Department of Education, mandating consultation with educators and parents during development. This change would replace current state assessment practices with a federally approved system starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House Commemoration (HC 8003) honors Joyce Waddell for her retirement from the Bison School District after 56 years of service as a teacher, counselor, and librarian. It recognizes her total 61 years of dedication to South Dakota education, including teaching multiple generations of students and maintaining deep community connections throughout her career. The resolution is a ceremonial tribute introduced by multiple legislators, with no associated policy changes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis commemorative resolution (HC 8001) formally recognizes National FFA Week in South Dakota for February 21-28, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture by the South Dakota Legislature to honor the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. The resolution cites FFA's role in agricultural education, youth development, and community service across the state. As a non-binding commemoration, it has no legal or financial impact on the state or its residents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law), not a bill affecting policies or people. It formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, as a moment to reflect on foundational American principles. The resolution has no legal effect or concrete policy changes; it serves only to symbolically acknowledge the anniversary through a formal statement by the South Dakota Senate. It does not impose requirements, allocate funds, or directly impact any individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 1245 exempts certain services provided to a partnership from South Dakota's state sales and use tax gross receipts. This change directly affects businesses that offer specific services to partnerships operating within the state. The bill removes the requirement for these service providers to collect and remit sales tax on transactions involving such partnerships. By eliminating this tax obligation, the legislation aims to simplify tax compliance for service providers working with partnership clients.

Maddy summaryHB 1071 modifies the practice criteria for physician assistants in South Dakota by updating the rules governing their scope of practice. The bill directly affects physician assistants working in the state and the medical facilities that employ them. Key provisions likely adjust requirements for supervision, prescribing authority, or practice settings to align with current medical standards. This change aims to clarify the legal framework under which physician assistants can provide healthcare services. The legislation does not specify exact modifications without access to the full text, but it focuses on regulatory updates rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 14 is a legislative bill that aims to update and repeal existing laws governing agricultural production facilities in South Dakota. The bill directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and local communities by modifying regulations related to the operation and establishment of these facilities. Key provisions include revising current legal requirements and establishing penalties for non-compliance with the updated rules. This legislation seeks to clarify and modernize the legal framework surrounding agricultural production without changing the fundamental purpose of these facilities.

Maddy summarySB 69 proposes revisions to the provisions governing trusts in South Dakota law. The bill directly affects individuals who create trusts, trustees who manage them, and beneficiaries who receive assets from them. Key mechanisms include updating specific language within the state's trust statutes to clarify how trusts are established, administered, and terminated. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework surrounding trusts without altering their fundamental purpose. The bill focuses on technical updates to existing regulations rather than introducing new trust types or tax provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to apply to the United States Congress under Article V of the Constitution to call for a constitutional convention aimed at establishing term limits for members of Congress. The measure would direct the state legislature to formally request this convention, which is one of the methods specified in the Constitution for proposing amendments. If enacted, the bill would initiate a process to gather signatures and submit a formal application to the federal government, setting the stage for a national debate on congressional term limits. The bill does not itself create term limits but seeks to trigger a constitutional process that could lead to such changes if approved by the required number of states.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the Hamlin Chargers football team for winning the 2024 state championship in Class 9AA. It recognizes the team's achievement through a formal acknowledgment by the state legislature. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a commemorative gesture to celebrate the team's success.