Sen. David Wheeler

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 proposes a constitutional amendment to South Dakota that would tie the state's obligation to expand Medicaid coverage to the level of federal funding provided for the program. It directly affects South Dakota residents and the state government by establishing a condition under which expanded Medicaid benefits must be implemented. The key provision requires that the state only expand Medicaid if the federal government contributes a sufficient level of financial assistance, effectively making state participation dependent on federal financial support levels. This change would alter the state's current Medicaid obligations by adding a financial condition precedent to the expansion requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for litigation financing, which allows third-party companies to provide funds to individuals involved in legal disputes in exchange for a share of any future settlement or judgment. The legislation directly affects plaintiffs seeking legal representation, attorneys, and financing companies operating within South Dakota. Key provisions would define what constitutes litigation financing, set disclosure requirements for financing agreements, and outline standards for how these funds can be used during the legal process. The bill aims to create a structured framework that ensures transparency and fairness in the use of third-party funding for legal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Terry Ree, a comedian and musician who performed with his duo Williams and Ree in South Dakota. It formally recognizes his contributions to the state's entertainment industry through a commemorative resolution. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his service.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts trailer manufacturers and dealers from specific motor vehicle dealer license requirements in South Dakota. It directly affects businesses that build or sell trailers by removing the need for them to obtain standard motor vehicle dealer licenses. The key provision allows these entities to operate without adhering to the same regulatory framework as traditional car dealers. This change simplifies compliance for trailer-related businesses while maintaining oversight through other applicable regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages the South Dakota Legislature to adopt person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities, ensuring the person is mentioned before their disability. It directly affects legislative communications, official documents, and public statements made by state lawmakers. The key provision is a recommendation to use respectful terminology that emphasizes individual identity rather than defining people solely by their condition. This change aims to promote dignity and reduce stigma in official state discourse. The bill does not mandate enforcement but serves as a guiding principle for legislative language use.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to cap the amount of money that can be loaned to political candidates or committees in South Dakota. It directly affects individuals and organizations involved in political fundraising and campaign finance. The key provision establishes a specific monetary limit on these loans, aiming to regulate the flow of financial support in elections. The measure seeks to create clearer boundaries for campaign funding without changing other aspects of the election process.

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 would allow South Dakota to refund sales and use taxes on equipment and services purchased for data center operations. It directly affects businesses that build or operate data centers within the state by reducing their initial tax burden on related purchases. The key provision creates a refund mechanism for qualifying data center expenses, which are currently subject to state sales and use taxes. This policy change aims to make South Dakota more competitive for data center development by lowering upfront costs for operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally acknowledges and celebrates the sister-state relationship between South Dakota and Taiwan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two regions. The resolution is intended to honor the existing partnership without altering any legal or governmental procedures.