Rep. Heather Baxter

Maddy summaryHB 1087 would allow voters in South Dakota counties to remove county commissioners from office through a recall election. The bill establishes a process where a petition signed by a specified percentage of registered voters can trigger a special election to decide whether a commissioner should be removed. If the recall election is held and the majority of voters approve it, the commissioner would be removed from their position. This legislation directly affects county commissioners and the voters within South Dakota counties who would participate in the recall 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 summaryThis bill grants free admission to South Dakota state parks and recreation areas for current and former members of the South Dakota National Guard, their spouses, and their dependents. It removes any existing fees or charges for these individuals and their families when visiting state-managed recreational facilities. The provision applies to all state parks and recreation areas under the jurisdiction of the state. This change aims to provide ongoing access to outdoor spaces for military service members and their families without requiring legislative approval for each individual visit.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove the state law requiring adults to wear seat belts while driving or riding in a moving vehicle. It would directly affect all adult drivers and passengers in South Dakota by eliminating the legal mandate for seat belt use. The key provision is the repeal of the existing safety belt requirement, meaning adults would no longer face penalties for not wearing them. This change would shift responsibility for seat belt use from a legal obligation to a personal choice for adult occupants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires statewide public officials in South Dakota to make their calendars and appointment logs publicly available. It directly affects state government officials by mandating transparency in their scheduling and meeting records. The key provision establishes a requirement for these officials to disclose their official activities to the public. This change aims to increase accountability by allowing citizens to review when and with whom officials are meeting.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 requires businesses in South Dakota to accept cash as a form of payment for certain transactions, directly affecting merchants and consumers who use cash. The bill mandates that cash cannot be refused for purchases up to a specified dollar amount, ensuring cash remains a viable payment option. This provision aims to prevent businesses from discriminating against customers who prefer or rely on cash payments. The law applies to retail transactions and other specified commercial exchanges within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that honors the life and service of former Representative Dr. Donald Dean Van Etten. It does not create new laws or policies but serves to formally recognize his contributions to South Dakota's legislative history. The measure is procedural and does not directly affect any individuals or groups beyond acknowledging his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow the sale of fireworks in South Dakota at any time during the year, rather than restricting them to specific holidays or seasons. It would directly affect retailers and consumers by expanding when fireworks can be legally purchased and sold. The key provision removes existing seasonal limitations on fireworks sales, enabling year-round availability. This change would apply to all fireworks retailers operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a specialty license plate program in South Dakota called "Share the Road," designed to promote awareness of safe driving practices among all road users. The plate design will feature graphics or slogans related to sharing the road safely, and proceeds from sales will be allocated to the state's highway safety fund. The legislation applies to vehicle owners who wish to purchase and display these specialty plates, with no changes to standard vehicle registration requirements.