Sen. Joy Hohn

Maddy summaryHB 1246 prohibits state agencies and local governments from signing agreements with private entities that require secrecy about data center projects. It mandates that any agreement for building, developing, or locating a data center must be treated as a public record, making its terms accessible to the public. The bill defines a data center as a facility storing, processing, or managing electronic data. This ensures transparency by preventing confidential clauses in such agreements, allowing public access to project details without secrecy restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 2 amends South Dakota law to clarify that firearm silencers (devices reducing gunshot noise) are not classified as "controlled weapons." This change removes silencers from the category of weapons subject to strict state regulations, such as special permits or licensing requirements. The bill directly affects gun owners, manufacturers, and sellers of silencers in South Dakota by eliminating these regulatory barriers. The key mechanism is an amendment to the definitions section of the state's criminal code (§ 22-1-2), specifically excluding silencers from the definition of "controlled weapon."

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Scouting America's 116 years of service to youth in South Dakota and the U.S. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the organization's founding in 1910 and its mission to develop character and leadership through programs for young people. The resolution specifically celebrates Scouting America's impact on over 130 million youth and its ongoing work supporting South Dakota families. It has no direct effect on individuals or communities beyond the symbolic recognition by the South Dakota legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 revises South Dakota's regulations for birth centers and certified professional midwives. It requires birth centers to obtain a license from the Department of Health (with a $500 fee), mandates risk assessments to confirm low-risk pregnancies before admission, and requires written care plans addressing each client's medical and emotional needs. The bill also mandates that a practitioner or registered nurse be on-site during active labor and repeals the previous requirement that birth centers be within 30 minutes of a hospital. These changes directly affect birth centers, certified midwives, and patients seeking care at these facilities.

Maddy summarySB 85 requires South Dakota school districts to hold a voter election before implementing or increasing an "excess tax levy" (property tax increases beyond the base amount). This applies to both general fund and capital outlay tax levies, meaning school boards can no longer unilaterally approve such increases - they must now seek voter approval through a formal election. The bill mandates specific public notice requirements (e.g., newspaper ads or mailed notices) and allows voters to petition for an election if 5% of registered voters sign a petition. The election must be held by October 1st of the year prior to tax payment, ensuring taxpayers have a direct say in local property tax changes.

Maddy summarySB 173 would amend South Dakota law to extend the fee exemption for motor vehicle and motorcycle license plates currently available to veterans with disabilities to include their spouses. Under the current law (§ 32-5-157.1), disabled veterans may obtain special plates without paying standard fees if they meet specific disability criteria. This bill would add "the spouse of a veteran with a disability" to the eligibility list for the same fee exemption. The change directly affects spouses of veterans who have a disability, allowing them to qualify for the same license plate fee benefit as the veterans themselves.

Maddy summarySB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 1232 modifies the rules governing how hair salons and booths must operate in South Dakota. The bill updates existing requirements for salon licensing, safety standards, and operational procedures to reflect current industry practices. It also declares an emergency to allow the changes to take effect immediately without waiting for the standard legislative timeline. This legislation directly impacts salon owners, employees, and customers by establishing new compliance standards for salon businesses.

Maddy summarySB 115 proposes to update South Dakota law regarding sexual contact with minors under the age of eighteen. The bill directly affects individuals who may be charged with such offenses and legal professionals handling related cases. It revises specific provisions to clarify or modify how sexual contact with children is defined or prosecuted under state statutes. The legislation aims to ensure the legal framework accurately reflects current standards for protecting minors from sexual exploitation.

Maddy summaryHB 1249 aims to protect landowners in South Dakota from deceptive or coercive tactics when easements or easement options are being acquired. The bill prohibits the use of fraud, harassment, intimidation, misrepresentation, or threats during the easement acquisition process. It requires that landowners receive clear, accurate information and have the opportunity to consult legal counsel before signing easement agreements. This legislation directly affects property owners and entities seeking to acquire land easements by establishing stricter standards for negotiation and disclosure.