Sen. Randy Deibert

Maddy summarySB 2 amends South Dakota law to clarify that firearm silencers (devices reducing gunshot noise) are not classified as "controlled weapons." This change removes silencers from the category of weapons subject to strict state regulations, such as special permits or licensing requirements. The bill directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and sellers of silencers in South Dakota by eliminating these regulatory barriers. The key mechanism is an amendment to the definitions section of the state's criminal code (§ 22-1-2), specifically excluding silencers from the definition of "controlled weapon."

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Ashlyn Koupal, a Wagner High School senior, for being named to the 2026 McDonald's All-American Girls Basketball Team. It recognizes her as only the second South Dakotan and the first female athlete from South Dakota selected for this national honor, celebrating her athletic achievement and leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the legislature's recognition of her historic accomplishment.

Maddy summarySB 202 requires vehicle owners to pay for removing their vehicles from bodies of water in South Dakota. It applies specifically to owners who intentionally abandon vehicles on public roads, drive vehicles into lakes or streams causing disablement, or drive onto frozen water that breaks through. The law makes owners civilly liable for both towing/removal costs and any associated storage fees under existing law. This bill directly affects vehicle owners whose actions result in a vehicle being submerged or disabled in water, shifting the financial responsibility from public agencies to the owner.

Maddy summarySB 5 requires South Dakota to clearly disclose on ballots whether a proposed constitutional amendment or law was initiated by the Legislature or by a citizen petition. The bill amends election laws to mandate that ballot titles for both types of measures must include a specific disclosure: "proposed by the Legislature" for legislative proposals, and "proposed by a citizen-initiated petition" for initiative measures. This disclosure must appear directly after the title and before the attorney general's explanation and fiscal note on the ballot. The law applies to all ballot questions submitted for voter approval, ensuring voters can immediately see the origin of each measure.

Maddy summarySB 157 amends South Dakota's school funding formula to require using an *average fall enrollment* (instead of enrollment on a single date) when calculating a school district's "local need" for state funding. This directly affects all public school districts in South Dakota by changing how their student enrollment count is determined for funding calculations. The bill replaces the current method - using enrollment on the last Friday of September - with an average, which could stabilize funding by smoothing out seasonal enrollment fluctuations. The change applies specifically to the calculation of "local need" under § 13-13-10.1(32) in the education funding code.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 806) is a non-binding legislative commemoration honoring four South Dakota school administrators for their service: David Olson (Meade Middle School Principal), Kendra Becker (Redfield Secondary School Principal), Richie Hutchinson (Sioux Falls Assistant Middle School Principal), and Kay Bass (Harrisburg Assistant Secondary School Principal). It recognizes their combined 88 years of dedication to education, peer-elected "Outstanding School Administrator" status for 2025-2026, and their commitment to improving educational opportunities. The resolution formally names them as official representatives of South Dakota School Administrators. This is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws or affect policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring seven South Dakota school administrators for their service. It commends Dr. Jeff Danielsen (Watertown Superintendent), Bo Beck (Aberdeen Middle School Principal), Connie Alspach (Dupree School Business Official), Jay Swatek (Tea Elementary Principal), Kelly Messmer (Harding County Secondary Principal), Sherri Nelson (Brandon Valley Curriculum Leader), and Monica Waltman (Douglas Director of Special Education). The resolution recognizes their combined 197 years of service and dedication to education. It does not create new laws or policies - it solely provides formal recognition through a legislative commendation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations Month in South Dakota. It formally commemorates the state's career and technical education programs, which serve over 30,000 students in grades 7-12 and include organizations like FFA (6,500 members), SkillsUSA (500 members), and HOSA (1,300 members). The resolution highlights these programs' role in developing student skills, leadership, and industry connections but does not create new laws or policies. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct legal effect on funding, curriculum, or student requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution commemorating Deadwood's 150th anniversary as a historical milestone. It formally recognizes the city's founding in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush and its evolution from a frontier mining town into a preserved historic destination. The resolution invites all South Dakotans to celebrate Deadwood's cultural heritage, historical significance, and ongoing contributions to the state's identity. As a commemorative measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SCR 602) celebrates South Dakota's 42-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1984. It highlights specific trade ties, including a 2025 agricultural mission visit and a wheat purchase agreement between South Dakota and Taiwan. The resolution expresses support for strengthening trade relations, academic exchanges, the U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the partnership.