Sen. Tom Pischke

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to obtain legislative approval before spending significant amounts of money on capital projects. It directly affects state wildlife management and conservation agencies by adding a layer of oversight for major expenditures. The key provision mandates that the legislature must review and approve these spending requests, ensuring transparency in how public funds are allocated for facilities and infrastructure. This change aims to provide greater accountability for large financial decisions made by the department.

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.

Maddy summarySB 172 establishes a legal presumption that joint physical custody is in the best interest of a minor child during custody disputes. This means courts will generally start with the assumption that both parents should share physical care of the child unless one parent can prove that shared custody would be harmful. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody cases by shifting the initial burden of proof to the parent opposing joint custody. This change aims to promote shared parenting arrangements while still allowing exceptions when joint custody would not serve the child's welfare.

Maddy summaryHB 1266 proposes to transfer the South Dakota State Brand Board from its current administrative home to the Office of School and Public Lands. This change would place the board, which oversees state agricultural branding and promotion efforts, under the jurisdiction of the office responsible for managing public lands and school-related affairs. The bill does not alter the board's core functions or funding but reorganizes its supervisory structure within the state government. This administrative adjustment affects the office of the state auditor, who currently oversees the board, by shifting that responsibility to the Office of School and Public Lands.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 authorizes the use of a newborn safety device, commonly known as a baby box, to allow parents to voluntarily surrender their newborn infants safely. The bill permits hospitals and other facilities to operate these devices and provides a legal framework for the surrender process without requiring parental identification. It also includes clarifying changes to existing laws to ensure the procedure is properly documented and handled by medical professionals. This measure aims to provide a safe alternative for parents who cannot care for their newborns while protecting the child's well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the South Dakota Attorney General to file a lawsuit against the People's Republic of China and related parties to seek damages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure would direct state legal officials to pursue financial compensation on behalf of the state for losses attributed to the pandemic. It does not specify the exact amount sought or the legal grounds for the claim, leaving those details to the Attorney General's discretion. The bill would only become active if passed by the South Dakota legislature and signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a formal agreement among states to support the Electoral College system and reject the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. It invites states to join an Electoral College Interstate Compact to ensure the Electoral College remains the method for electing the President and Vice President. The legislation directly affects state legislators and state governments by establishing a framework for inter-state cooperation on election procedures. The bill does not change the current voting process but seeks to strengthen the existing Electoral College system through a formal interstate agreement.