Sen. Joy Hohn

Maddy summarySB 169 requires that a public hearing be held before a vote can be taken on imposing an excess tax levy. This bill directly affects local governments and taxpayers in South Dakota by adding a procedural step to the tax levy process. The key mechanism is the mandatory public hearing, which ensures community input is gathered before any excess tax increase is approved. This change aims to increase transparency and public participation in local tax decisions without altering the underlying tax rates or amounts.

Maddy summarySB 172 establishes a legal presumption that joint physical custody is in the best interest of a minor child during custody disputes. This means courts will generally start with the assumption that both parents should share physical care of the child unless one parent can prove that shared custody would be harmful. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody cases by shifting the initial burden of proof to the parent opposing joint custody. This change aims to promote shared parenting arrangements while still allowing exceptions when joint custody would not serve the child's welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the subpoena authority of South Dakota's Government Operations and Audit Committee, allowing it to issue subpoenas to witnesses and gather information related to its oversight duties. The change directly affects the committee's ability to investigate state agency operations and enforce compliance with audit requirements. By updating the legal framework for subpoenas, the bill strengthens the committee's procedural tools without altering its core responsibilities or scope. The provision applies specifically to the committee's existing investigative functions rather than creating new oversight powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to honor Frank Kloucek by formally recognizing him as the oldest surviving and longest-tenured Democrat to serve in the South Dakota Legislature. The legislation would likely involve a resolution or official statement acknowledging Kloucek's service record and historical significance within the state's political history. This measure is intended to commemorate Kloucek's contributions and legacy rather than to enact new laws or policies. The bill directly affects Frank Kloucek and the South Dakota Legislature through an official recognition of his service.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from using eminent domain to acquire private property for the construction of pipelines transporting carbon dioxide. It directly affects landowners and communities that might otherwise face forced property acquisition for such infrastructure projects. The key provision restricts the government's power of eminent domain specifically to carbon oxide pipeline projects, leaving other types of pipeline projects unaffected. This change aims to limit government authority over private property rights in the context of carbon capture and storage infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing taxes on aviation gasoline and jet fuel in South Dakota. The change directly affects aircraft operators, fuel suppliers, and travelers who purchase fuel for flying. The key provision is a higher tax rate on these specific fuels, which would increase the cost of aviation fuel. This policy change aims to generate additional state revenue but does not include specific details on how the funds will be used.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 establishes a temporary ban on building carbon dioxide pipelines within South Dakota. This measure directly affects energy companies and developers who would otherwise construct these infrastructure projects in the state. The bill halts construction activities until the moratorium is lifted or expires, without specifying a permanent timeline. The legislation aims to pause new pipeline development while allowing existing projects to continue operating.

Maddy summaryThe bill requires websites hosting material harmful to minors to implement age verification systems. It directly affects online platforms that distribute such content and their users. The legislation mandates that these sites verify a user's age before allowing access to protected material. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in penalties for the website operators. This measure aims to restrict access to age-inappropriate content while establishing clear enforcement consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires applicants seeking permits for carbon dioxide transmission facilities from the Public Utilities Commission of South Dakota to submit an environmental impact statement. The provision ensures that potential environmental effects of these facilities are formally evaluated before approval. This change directly affects companies and developers applying for such permits and the regulatory body reviewing them. The bill mandates a specific procedural step to assess environmental consequences without altering the underlying approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the regulatory structure for barbering and cosmetology in South Dakota by eliminating the Board of Barber Examiners and Cosmetology Commission and establishing a new Cosmetology and Barbering Board. The new board will have authority to oversee licensing, enforce regulations, and impose penalties for violations within the industry. The legislation also includes provisions for funding the board's operations through a specific appropriation. This change affects barbers, cosmetologists, and salon owners who currently operate under the existing commission structure.