Sen. Helene Duhamel

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal legislative resolution honoring the Yankton School District for its 150th anniversary. It recognizes the district as South Dakota's longest-accredited public school system and highlights its academic performance, recent early childhood learning center, and teacher training partnership. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it solely serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the South Dakota Legislature. It directly affects the Yankton School District by formally celebrating its historical and educational contributions. The bill does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill with policy changes), recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations Month. It formally acknowledges South Dakota's career and technical education programs serving over 30,000 students and student organizations with more than 10,000 members (including FFA, SkillsUSA, and HOSA). The resolution has no binding effect or policy impact; it serves only to honor these educational efforts through symbolic recognition. No specific groups or individuals are directly affected by this commemoration.

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 summaryHB 1120 revises South Dakota's DUI laws by lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers to 0.04% (from a higher threshold), maintaining 0.08% as the standard for non-commercial drivers, and setting a 0.02% limit for drivers under 21. It clarifies that 0.08% or higher blood alcohol content presumes impairment and expands prohibitions to include driving under the influence of marijuana or non-prescribed drugs. These changes directly affect commercial drivers, all motorists operating vehicles, and underage drivers. The bill applies to operating vehicles, boats, or aircraft while impaired, with penalties including license suspensions for violations.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 802) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 77th anniversary of Tabor Czech Days, an annual cultural festival in Tabor, South Dakota, scheduled for June 18-20, 2026. It formally honors the event and the Czech immigrant heritage it celebrates, highlighting traditions like music, food, museums, and community activities. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official state recognition through the legislature. It directly acknowledges the festival’s cultural significance to South Dakota’s Czech community and its annual events.

Maddy summarySB 99 eliminates property taxes on owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota by reducing the maximum tax levy to $0 per thousand valuation, while increasing gross receipts tax rates for retailers from 4.2% to 6.2%. The bill also expands the 4.2% gross receipts tax to cover additional services like accountants, beauty shops, and laundry services (previously taxed at 4.2% under § 10-45-5). These changes directly affect homeowners (specifically single-family residents) and businesses in the listed service sectors. The policy shifts local tax burden from property to retail sales, with the revenue funding a new "property tax local effort replacement fund" to offset the reduced property tax revenue for school districts.