Sen. Amber Hulse

Maddy summaryHCR 6002 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, who was assassinated in 2025 at age 31. The resolution recognizes his work founding Turning Point USA at 18, his advocacy for free markets and constitutional liberties, and his influence through media and policy advising. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely symbolic. The resolution urges South Dakota citizens to reflect on Kirk’s legacy and extends condolences to his family. This is a procedural honor without legal or practical impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1090 requires the governor's office to publish notices of appointments or reappointments to state boards, commissions, councils, or other entities in the next regularly scheduled issue of the South Dakota Register. This applies to all positions the governor can appoint under state law, including filling vacancies. The bill mandates this publication as a standard step for transparency, directly affecting the governor's office and the public who access the Register. It does not change appointment powers or create new requirements beyond publication.

Maddy summaryHB 1063 defines natural hair braiding as a service involving manual techniques like braiding, cornrowing, or weaving (using natural or synthetic fibers) without chemicals, hair-altering tools, or treatments like straightening or bleaching. The bill requires that places where this service is provided for compensation be inspected by South Dakota's Cosmetology Commission, bringing it under the state's existing cosmetology regulatory framework. It directly affects natural hair braiders operating for pay in South Dakota, ensuring their businesses meet the same inspection standards as other cosmetology service providers. The definition explicitly excludes chemical treatments, hair-altering tools, and permanent wave styles from the scope of natural hair braiding.

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 bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain rape offenses from receiving a suspended imposition of sentence in South Dakota. The measure directly affects defendants charged with specific sexual assault crimes by removing a sentencing option that would allow them to avoid jail time. Under the new provisions, judges would no longer be able to suspend the imposition of sentence for these offenses, requiring immediate sentencing instead. This change applies to both new and pending cases involving the specified rape charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 proposes changes to how members of a recount board in South Dakota are compensated. The bill directly affects the individuals appointed to serve on these boards during election recount processes. Key provisions would modify the payment structure or conditions under which these board members receive their compensation. This legislative change aims to adjust the financial terms for recount board service without altering the overall recount procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county election officials to post notices about post-election audits and testing of voting equipment on the Secretary of State's website. The provision directly affects counties in South Dakota by mandating public transparency regarding their election review processes. By centralizing this information online, the bill ensures voters can access details about how their ballots were counted and verified. The measure does not change existing audit procedures but adds a reporting requirement for public visibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1232 modifies the rules governing how hair salons and booths must operate in South Dakota. The bill updates existing requirements for salon licensing, safety standards, and operational procedures to reflect current industry practices. It also declares an emergency to allow the changes to take effect immediately without waiting for the standard legislative timeline. This legislation directly impacts salon owners, employees, and customers by establishing new compliance standards for salon businesses.

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 summaryThis bill requires South Dakota to add a notation indicating United States citizenship status on driver's licenses, permits, and nondriver identification cards. The change would affect all individuals applying for these documents within the state, as the new requirement would be applied during the issuance process. The bill does not restrict who can obtain these documents but instead mandates that citizenship status be visibly marked on the card itself. This policy update aims to provide clearer identification of citizenship status for state-issued credentials.