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Week 3 of the 2026 Legislature I talked to one of the LRC bill writers this week. He said that he expected about 700+/- bills to be “dropped”. Our committee meetings are full every day of people to testify for or against a particular bill, and questions and discussions have been really thorough.
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the completion of Week Three. The most significant piece of legislation passed was HB1044 makinganappropriationforthe Rural Health Transformation Program. The bill authorizes 402 million dollars in Federal Funds for supporting health care in rural areas, including strengthening work force, expanding access to care, expanding technology and innovation, and modernizing facilities. 189 million dollars are available the first year. The funding comes from the “Big Beautiful Bill” that was passed in Congress last summer. Governor Rhoden stated 'This is a big win for rural South Dakota! This may be the most significant investment in rural healthcare in South Dakota’s history, and it will strengthen our state for our kids and grandkids.” This was the first bill he signed into law this session. HB1044 needed a two thirds vote to pass; if there was ever a time this session for major legislation to pass unanimously it was HB1044, butthefinalvotewas32-2inthe Senate and 56-11 in the House.
Read moreAmerican Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative calls on individuals: “You are the first responder until help arrives”
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Team Buche Cares hosted a community giveaway on Tuesday, January 20, at the G.F. Buche Co. Headquarters in Wagner. The event provided neighbors with free-range blue eggs, beef hot dogs, and potatoes. Special thanks to Dakota Layers and Jorgensen Land & Cattle for their generous support in helping nourish our community. Between 200 and 250 area residents braved the cold weather to take part in the giveaway. Courtesy Photos
Read moreRural South Dakotans may see incremental changes to their health care coverage in the next year after $189 million in funding was awarded to the state, but the most significant improvements will likely take more time, industry leaders said.
Read moreWeek two picked up with more committee hearings and bills being heard. There are currently254billsand19resolutionsfiled.We have a lot of work to do. During my 1st term in the legislature, we passed a law banning hostile foreign ownership of ag land in South Dakota,whichIproudlysupported.Thisyear weexpandedonthatconcepttoincludeelectric infrastructure with HB 1049. HB 1049 was vetted in Commerce and Energy Committee, where I serve as the Vice Chair. HB 1049 received a yes vote from all members present in the full chamber. Also, in Commerce and Energy a resolution and a bill pertaining to theuseofcashtransactionswereheard.Isupported the resolution encouraging the use of cashtransactions,butIcouldnotsupportabill forcing small businesses to accept cash. We haveenoughregulationsonsmallbusinesses, and I will not tell you what form of payment you should accept. In State Affairs we heard HB 1102 an act to reschedule the annual report filing date for a limited liability company and a limited liability partnership. Currently LLCs and LLPs report on the anniversary of their filing date. This bill changes the annual reporting to a set schedule where all would take place in the same time frame. If you operate 10 different LLCs or LLPs reporting can be forgotten or late, I believe this bill will streamline that process and save on late fees.
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