Sen. Helene Duhamel

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Harrisburg Tigers gymnastics team for winning the 2026 Class AA state gymnastics championship in South Dakota. The legislation highlights the team's achievements, including their conference victories, final score, and individual accomplishments by team members and coaches. It serves as an official commendation from the state legislature without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors William Long IV, a Rosebud Reservation resident who died while ice fishing on December 21, 2025. It commemorates his life as a devoted family man, youth sports coach (assistant coach for Todd County Lady Falcons), boxer, and community member who embraced his Mexican and Native American heritage. The resolution extends sympathy to his family and recognizes his legacy of service to youth and community. As a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes, it does not affect laws, funding, or government actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution supports South Dakota's request to Congress for authorization and federal funding of specific rural water projects identified by the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS). It directly affects rural communities across South Dakota relying on four key regional systems: Dakota Mainstem (central/southern), Western Dakota (western), Lewis and Clark (expansion planning), and Water Investment in Northern SD. The resolution urges coordination between local water providers, state agencies, and federal partners to advance these projects through congressional authorization under the Bureau of Reclamation. It does not create new projects but formally requests federal action to enable existing regional water supply solutions addressing documented water quantity and quality needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 812) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Glenn Muller, a South Dakota agricultural leader. It formally commends his career in the state's pork industry, including his work with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, his role in expanding swine operations, and his advocacy for agriculture. The resolution specifically recognizes his receipt of awards like the South Dakota Corn Growers Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 Governor's Ag Ambassador designation. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for his contributions to South Dakota agriculture.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HC 8013) is a legislative commemoration recognizing the West Central FFA chapter's Agricultural Issues team for winning first place at the 2025 South Dakota State Leadership Development Events. It specifically honors the team members - Holly Berg, Kenasyn Johnson, Ganon Lienhard, Teagan Lupkes, Alex Siemonsma, Stella Siemonsma, and Nate Struck - and their advisor, Linda Petersen - for their research on autonomous agricultural systems and their advancement to national competition. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 would repeal South Dakota's death penalty by removing it as a sentencing option for Class A felonies, including first-degree murder. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of capital offenses, replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment as the maximum sentence. Key provisions amend sections of the criminal code (specifically §§ 22-6-1, 22-16-12, and others) to eliminate the death penalty from Class A felony sentencing and adjust felony classifications accordingly. This change would apply to all future cases, meaning convicted individuals would no longer face execution as a possible penalty for the most serious crimes.

Maddy summaryHC 8011 is a symbolic legislative resolution honoring Greg Blue for 35 years of service on the Iroquois School District Board of Education. It commends him for his dedication to students, staff, and the community, recognizing his receipt of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota's Distinguished Service Award. This procedural resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on laws or regulations; it solely expresses the legislature's appreciation through formal words of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Brad Olson for his 25 years of service on the Aberdeen School District Board of Education. It commends him for his dedication to students, staff, and the community, recognizing his receipt of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota's Distinguished Service Award. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect and does not create new policies or affect any group beyond honoring the individual named.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HC 8012) is a South Dakota legislative commoration formally recognizing Captain Royce Williams for his military service. It specifically honors his combat actions during the Korean War, including a classified 35-minute dogfight in 1952 where he reportedly shot down four enemy aircraft. The resolution acknowledges the Navy's 2025 recommendation to upgrade his decoration to the Medal of Honor, though the bill itself does not change any military awards. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture of state recognition, directly affecting Captain Williams through official commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HC 8010) is a ceremonial resolution commending James Hanssen for his 40 years of service on the Bridgewater-Emery School District Board of Education. It formally honors him for his dedication to students, staff, and the community, recognizing his receipt of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota's Distinguished Service Award. The resolution has no policy impact or funding requirements; it solely serves to publicly acknowledge his service through legislative recognition. It directly affects only James Hanssen, who is being honored for his specific contributions to the school district.