Sen. Randy Deibert

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 honors Hannah Heiman of Clark and David Yusten Jr. of Sioux Falls for their roles as governors of the Girls State and Boys State programs in South Dakota. It also recognizes the South Dakota American Legion and Auxiliary for sponsoring and coordinating these programs. The legislation serves as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions to youth civic education and does not alter any existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1019 modifies South Dakota's tax system by removing property taxes from owner-occupied single-family homes while raising rates on gross receipts and use taxes. This change directly affects homeowners who would no longer pay property taxes on their primary residences, but businesses and consumers would face higher costs on sales and use of goods. The bill aims to shift the tax burden from residential property owners to commercial transactions and consumer purchases.

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 summaryHB 1010 requires certain programs and institutions in South Dakota to submit cost model reports detailing their financial structures and operational expenses. This legislation directly affects organizations that receive state funding or operate under specific regulatory frameworks, mandating transparency in how they allocate resources. The bill establishes a reporting mechanism where these entities must provide detailed financial data to state officials for review and oversight. By standardizing cost reporting requirements, the law aims to improve accountability and ensure public funds are utilized efficiently across covered programs.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a standardized system to award academic credit or certification for military service in South Dakota. It would establish clear guidelines for how veterans can receive recognition for their service through educational institutions. The legislation aims to streamline the process by setting uniform standards across different schools and organizations. This change would directly benefit military service members seeking academic credit for their training and experience. The bill focuses on administrative procedures rather than altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1123 removes the ability to use a medical purpose as a legal defense in prosecutions related to cannabis possession or use in South Dakota. This change directly affects individuals who have been charged with cannabis-related offenses and previously might have argued they were using the substance for medical reasons. The bill eliminates the specific legal provision that allowed such a defense, meaning medical necessity will no longer be considered a valid justification in court. As a result, prosecutors will no longer need to prove that a defendant's cannabis use was not for medical purposes, and defendants cannot raise medical need as a shield against charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows South Dakota sheriffs to charge a fee for serving legal documents, regardless of whether the service is successfully completed. The provision directly affects sheriffs and the individuals or entities receiving legal process by permitting fees to be assessed even when service attempts fail. This change expands the financial compensation available to sheriffs for their efforts in serving documents, without guaranteeing that the service will be successful. The bill does not alter the legal requirements for service but adjusts the fee structure associated with the sheriff's role in the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how measures initiated or referred within political subdivisions in South Dakota are enacted and when they take effect. It directly affects local governments and officials who manage ballot initiatives and referendums at the county or municipal level. The legislation provides clearer rules for the timing and process of implementing these local measures, ensuring consistency in how they become official. By defining specific procedures, the bill aims to reduce confusion about when local initiatives become legally binding.