Sen. Joy Hohn

Maddy summarySB 220 directs South Dakota's Department of Corrections to conduct a study evaluating juvenile correctional and residential facilities. The study must examine best practices, therapeutic housing models, vocational training combined with mental health services, and staff-to-youth ratios, including inspections at three facilities outside South Dakota. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to cover study costs and requires a written report to the Legislative Research Council by September 1, 2026. This is a procedural study bill with no direct policy changes or new requirements for facilities, solely aimed at gathering information for future decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1173 requires South Dakota's Public Utilities Commission to mandate an environmental impact statement (EIS) for certain utility permit applications before final approval. It specifically applies to applicants seeking permits for carbon dioxide transmission facilities and may require an EIS for other projects if the Commission determines it is necessary under state environmental law (Chapter 34A-9). The bill does not change the permit process itself but adds a requirement for an EIS review, which could affect project timelines and costs for utility developers. This applies to all pending and future permit applications before the Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing state consumer protection laws to add requirements for age verification and parental consent for application stores, which are digital platforms where users download software applications. The legislation would require these stores to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent from minors before allowing them to access or download applications. It also establishes penalties for businesses that fail to comply with these new verification and consent requirements. The bill does not create new consumer protection categories but rather modifies existing deceptive trade practices provisions to include digital application store compliance.

Maddy summarySB 223 modifies South Dakota's process for school districts to refer excess tax levies to voter approval. It changes the petition signature requirement from a flat 50 voters to "at least five percent of the registered voters" in the school district. The bill also adjusts notice rules, waiving newspaper publication requirements if the district mails the resolution to all property taxpayers within 20 days. This affects school districts seeking voter input on tax increases and directly impacts local taxpayers who may petition to refer levy decisions.

Maddy summarySB 183 requires school districts and other taxing districts in South Dakota to provide detailed public notice at least 21 days before voting on an excess tax levy. The notice must be published online or in a local newspaper and mailed to all property owners, including specifics like the maximum excess amount, base tax limits, hearing details, estimated tax increases per $100,000 in property value, and how funds will be used. This bill directly affects property owners by giving them more time and clear information to review proposed tax increases before a vote. The key change strengthens transparency by mandating standardized, detailed notice and requiring districts to allow public comments at the hearing.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 606 urges the South Dakota Conservancy District to apply for a future use permit to reserve 500,000 acre-feet of Missouri River water annually for the state's long-term needs. It specifically directs the Conservancy District to file this application and report its progress to the Legislative Research Council by November 30, 2026. The resolution does not create new law but emphasizes the importance of securing water rights through existing legal procedures under South Dakota law. It directly affects the Conservancy District as the entity responsible for managing the state's water resources. The focus is on proactive planning for future water availability, not on immediate regulatory changes.

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 1080 allows veteran business owners to display military specialty plates on noncommercial vehicles (like personal cars or vans) registered to their business, provided the veteran is listed as an additional owner on the vehicle's title. It also limits the veteran's personal liability for damages from accidents involving these business vehicles. The bill requires the veteran to meet standard military plate eligibility and vehicle registration rules, with a $10 additional fee for the specialty plates. This directly affects veteran business owners who operate noncommercial vehicles under their business registration.

Maddy summarySB 218 establishes a legal framework for charter schools in South Dakota. It defines charter schools as public schools operating under contracts with school districts or the state education department, granting them exemptions from most state education laws while requiring compliance with civil rights, health/safety rules, and standardized testing. The bill mandates annual performance reporting to the state, outlines application requirements for nonprofit organizers (including community support and financial plans), and specifies that charter schools must serve grades K-12 nonsectarianly without religious instruction. This directly affects school districts (as authorizing entities), nonprofit organizers seeking to open charter schools, and students enrolled in these schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the property tax exemption amount for disabled veterans and surviving spouses in South Dakota. Currently, $350,000 of a home's value is exempt from property taxes under the program; the bill raises this amount but does not specify the new figure in the provided text. It directly affects veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disabilities, as well as surviving spouses of such veterans. The change would lower property tax bills for eligible homeowners without altering application requirements or eligibility criteria.