Sen. Jim Mehlhaff

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the signature requirement for petitions used to initiate constitutional amendments in South Dakota. It directly affects citizens who wish to propose changes to the state constitution by altering the number of valid signatures needed on these petitions. The key provision changes the threshold of voter signatures required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, making the process more or less accessible depending on the new numerical requirement. This change impacts the procedural steps for citizens seeking to propose constitutional changes but does not alter the content or approval process for amendments themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to be registered voters in South Dakota before they can sponsor petitions for ballot measures. It directly affects petition sponsors by adding a voter registration requirement to their eligibility. The key provision mandates that petition sponsors must meet the same voter registration standards as other voters in the state. This change ensures that only registered voters can initiate ballot measure campaigns.

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 authorizes counties in South Dakota to work together to operate a shared office for county directors of equalization. It directly affects county governments by allowing them to collaborate on administrative functions related to property assessment and tax equalization. The key provision permits multiple counties to pool resources and staff for this specific role, potentially reducing individual county costs. The legislation focuses on operational cooperation rather than changing existing tax laws or assessment standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal offenses for boat operators in South Dakota and sets corresponding penalties for violations. It directly affects individuals who operate boats within the state's waters by defining specific prohibited behaviors and outlining consequences for non-compliance. The legislation creates a legal framework to enforce safety standards and address misconduct among boat operators through defined criminal charges and punishment measures.

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 summaryThis bill changes the allowable dates for school district bond elections in South Dakota. It directly affects school districts that need to vote on funding for school construction or improvements. The key provision expands the window of time during which these elections can be held, giving districts more flexibility in planning. This change allows local communities to schedule bond votes at times that may better suit their availability and administrative needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the maximum number of off-sale alcohol licenses from two to three in South Dakota municipalities and counties with populations of 1,000 or fewer. The change would allow these smaller communities to issue one additional license for establishments selling alcohol for off-premises consumption. Local governments in these areas would have the authority to grant the extra license if they choose to do so. The legislation does not mandate the issuance of additional licenses but expands the available capacity for local licensing decisions.

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.