Mary Fitzgerald (politician)
Mary Fitzgerald | |
|---|---|
| Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from the 31st district | |
| Assumed office January 12, 2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Vermillion, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Honorable John H Fitzgerald, Circuit Judge |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Black Hills State University (BS) |
Mary J. Fitzgerald is an American politician and accountant serving as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from the 31st district. Elected in November 2020, she assumed office on January 12, 2021. Fitzgerald was re-elected to the SD House of Representatives on November 8, 2022 and November 5, 2024.
Early life and education
[edit]Fitzgerald was born in Vermillion, South Dakota. She attended the University of South Dakota and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business administration from Black Hills State University.[1]
Political career
[edit]Public Safety & Anti-Crime Leadership- Mary J. Fitzgerald is indeed recognized as one of South Dakota’s most active representatives on public safety and a vocal advocate for crime victims. Here are the key highlights: • Only legislator to pass a marijuana public safety bill in 2021 — Fitzgerald’s House Bill 1061, which bans consuming or smoking marijuana in vehicles, was enacted on July 1, 2021 . • DUI reform champion — In Dec 2023, she introduced legislation to remove “presumptive probation” for third- and fourth-time DUI offenders, citing the importance of consistent sentencing in keeping roads safe . • Enhanced penalties for accomplices — She spearheaded House Bill 1104 to increase charges for being accessories to first- or second-degree murder . • Eliminating loopholes — With HB 1089, she aimed to exclude certain crimes from being eligible for presumptive probation . In 2025 Fitzgerald successfully passed legislation prohibiting a suspended imposition of sentence for the crime of rape. ________________________________________
Advocacy for Victims
• Child witness protections — Co-sponsored a bill strengthening safeguards for child victims testifying in court . • Truth in Sentencing support — Advocated for legislation that ensures clarity and consistency in sentencing guidelines . ________________________________________
Roles & Recognition
• Committee leadership — Sits on both the Judiciary and Local Government committees; previously served on the Joint Appropriations Committee . • Republican Vice Chair — Elected Vice-Chair of the South Dakota Republican Party in January 2023 . • Conservative credentials — Endorsed by the NRA, South Dakotans for Criminal Justice, and rated “A+” by SD Right to Life . ________________________________________
Fitzgerald was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in November 2020 and assumed office on January 12, 2021. Fitzgerald was re-elected November 8, 2022. [2] On July 8, 2021, Fitzgerald was selected to serve as a member of the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee of the Midwestern Legislative Conference.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Mary Fitzgerald (South Dakota)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
- ^ Pioneer, Jaci Conrad Pearson, Black Hills. "Odenbach, Fitzgerald advance to Dist. 31 General Election for representative". Black Hills Pioneer. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Fitzgerald to serve on regional committee". Black Hills Pioneer. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
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- Living people
- People from Vermillion, South Dakota
- Black Hills State University alumni
- Republican Party members of the South Dakota House of Representatives
- Women state legislators in South Dakota
- 21st-century members of the South Dakota Legislature
- 21st-century American women politicians
- South Dakota politician stubs