I am very impressed with all the emails and letters regarding potential legislation and how it could, if implemented, impact your life. While time consuming, I am sure to read them all. As stated last week we do have a new Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Governor Larry Rhoden has been a public servant of the state for almost 20 years and one I have called a friend for many of those years. Never in South Dakota history has the transition of Governor taken place during the legislative session. With the transition comes a Lt. Governor nomination; Rhoden has chosen Armour native, Representative Tony Venhuizen to fulfill this role. Representative Venhuizen has served in many capacities in the executive and legislative branches, he is a wealth of knowledge and will be missed in the House. Venhuizen unanimously won the approval of the legislature, and I know he will serve us well. Best wishes to both in their new roles. One of the most discussed bills this week was HB 1052, an act to prohibit the exercise of eminent domain for a pipeline that carried carbon oxide. Based on the results of the Referred Law 21 from the November 2024 election and the conversations over the last 2 years I continued to support the wishes of our district and supported the bill. You may remember this past summer an infant’s body was discovered in a recycling center in Sioux Falls. The infant was later named Baby Gabriel Doe and a funeral was held with hundreds present to honor his life. This is such a senseless tragedy which is why I supported HB 1044, an act to authorize the use of a newborn safety device for the voluntary surrender of a newborn and to make clarifying changes. Safe Haven Baby boxes is another option for those looking for protections. It was my pleasure to welcome the students of Hanson and Tripp High Schools and members of the Freeman community. In October, the Freeman community hosted an Indigenous Peoples Celebration. The event was a collaboration with the Freeman Academy, Heritage Hall Museum and Archives, Freeman Regional Assisted Living, Freeman Prairie Arboretum, and Secretary of Tribal Government David Flute. The event was presented with the prestigious Star Quilt in the Capitol Rotunda. Congratulations to all who made this successful. God Bless, Jessica Bahmuller (605)359-9459