Sen. Taffy Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the South Dakota Housing Infrastructure Fund to provide a loan to a school district located next to a federal military installation. The funds can be used to construct or expand a school building to meet educational needs. The provision applies specifically to school districts that are geographically adjacent to federal military facilities. This measure does not require new funding but instead allows existing infrastructure funds to be used for this specific purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents healthcare providers in South Dakota from blocking parents or guardians from accessing their minor children's medical records and health information. It requires providers to allow authorized adults to view and obtain copies of these records without needing additional consent from the minor. The law applies to doctors, hospitals, and other medical facilities treating minors, ensuring families can review health data related to their children. This change aims to improve family involvement in healthcare decisions for minors by removing barriers to information access.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of South Dakota to produce a report on refugee resettlement services. The report would detail how the state supports refugees who arrive and settle in the community. It directly affects state agencies responsible for managing refugee assistance programs. The provision aims to increase transparency by documenting the services provided to refugees.

Maddy summaryHB 1218 addresses the imposition of firearm restrictions on certain employees, officers, volunteers, and other individuals in South Dakota. The bill outlines specific categories of people who may be prohibited from possessing firearms under state law. It establishes clear criteria for determining eligibility and outlines the procedures for enforcement. The legislation aims to clarify existing regulations without introducing new restrictions beyond current statutory frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employers in South Dakota to purchase and distribute over-the-counter opioid antagonists to their employees. The legislation creates a legal exception to existing laws that typically restrict the distribution of such medications by non-medical personnel. It directly affects businesses and their staff by permitting them to provide these drugs as a workplace harm reduction measure. The bill does not require a prescription for the antagonists, enabling easier access for employees at risk of opioid overdose.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Legislature to approve real property leases for state government operations that exceed certain duration or rental payment thresholds. It directly affects state agencies seeking to lease office space, equipment, or other property needed for daily operations. The key provision establishes a review process where leases meeting specified criteria must receive legislative approval before becoming binding. This change aims to increase oversight of state spending on property rentals without altering existing lease agreements that fall below the established limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Class I electric bicycles to be operated on the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota. It directly affects trail users by expanding the types of vehicles permitted on this specific recreational path. The provision removes previous restrictions that may have limited electric bicycle access, enabling riders to use pedal-assist e-bikes alongside traditional bicycles and pedestrians. This change aims to increase trail accessibility while maintaining existing trail management rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to decrease the portion of unclaimed property funds that must be deposited into South Dakota's general fund. It directly affects the state's financial management of unclaimed assets by altering how much revenue is transferred to the general fund. The key mechanism involves reducing the net receipts from unclaimed property that are required for general fund allocation. This change would result in less unclaimed property revenue being available for general state operations while potentially increasing funds retained elsewhere.

Maddy summaryHB 1068 permits students to wear certain military decorations at school graduation ceremonies and includes provisions for declaring emergencies. The bill directly affects students, schools, and emergency management officials in South Dakota. It allows for the display of approved military honors during graduation events while establishing procedures for emergency declarations. The legislation focuses on ceremonial recognition and administrative processes without advocating for specific political outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes parental rights as a fundamental liberty in South Dakota, explicitly protecting a parent's authority to direct their child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and moral or religious training. It prohibits state agencies, officials, and employees from interfering with these rights unless they can demonstrate a narrow, compelling interest using the least restrictive means available. The legislation also grants parents the ability to sue for damages or injunctive relief in court if their rights are violated, allowing them to recover attorney's fees if they win the case.