Sen. Curt Voight

Maddy summarySB 74 requires the South Dakota government to publish and review an explanation of the state's open meeting laws. This bill directly affects state agencies and officials who must ensure public transparency in their meetings. The key provision mandates that a clear explanation of these laws be made available for public review. This change aims to improve public understanding of how open meeting laws operate in the state.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1145 amends the rules for maintaining and publishing South Dakota's statewide voter registration file. The bill directly affects the Secretary of State's office and individuals who manage voter records. It updates procedures for how voter information is stored, accessed, and made available to the public. The changes aim to improve the accuracy and accessibility of voter registration data without altering who can vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires South Dakota schools to display the Ten Commandments alongside other historical documents in classrooms. It mandates that these documents be included in the curriculum to provide context for students studying American history and law. The legislation affects public and private educational institutions within the state by establishing specific display and teaching requirements. This measure aims to ensure students encounter foundational legal and moral texts as part of their education.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of drones to assess real property for taxation purposes in South Dakota. It directly affects local tax assessors, property owners, and drone operators who might otherwise use aerial technology for property valuation. The legislation establishes penalties for anyone who violates this ban, ensuring that property assessments continue to rely on traditional methods rather than unmanned aerial vehicles. By restricting drone usage in this specific context, the bill aims to maintain established assessment procedures while preventing unauthorized aerial surveillance for tax evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes that South Dakota apply to the U.S. Congress for a constitutional convention to propose amendments focused on limiting federal government power. The requested amendments would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, further restrict its jurisdiction, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials. If approved by enough states, this application could lead to a constitutional convention where proposed changes would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution. The bill directly affects South Dakota's role in the federal constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 1020 establishes education savings accounts for students in South Dakota, allowing parents to set aside funds for their children's future educational expenses. The bill permits eligible families to contribute money into these accounts, which can then be used to pay for tuition, fees, and other approved educational costs at participating schools. This legislation directly affects parents and guardians of students, providing them with a structured way to save and utilize funds for their children's education. The mechanism involves creating a formal system where contributions are tracked and withdrawals are permitted under specific conditions outlined in the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program in South Dakota that allows parents to open and use educational empowerment accounts for their children's schooling. The accounts would be funded through state tax dollars and could be used to pay for private school tuition, tutoring, or other educational services. The legislation also includes penalties for individuals who misuse the funds or fail to comply with the program's requirements. This policy change directly affects South Dakota families seeking alternative educational options for their children.

Maddy summarySB 19 removes the expiration date for a surcharge on 911 emergency calls in South Dakota. This change directly affects the state's telecommunications providers and the public who use emergency services. Previously, the surcharge increase was set to expire after a specific time period, but this bill makes the increase permanent. The bill does not alter the amount of the surcharge, only its duration, ensuring the revenue continues to fund emergency services without requiring renewal.