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Tuesday, Feb. 24, was Crossover Day, the day that House bills and Senate bills needed to pass their respective chambers with the exception of Appropriation bills. Crossover Day is one of the most important days of Session for legislators to attend as there is often a large number of bills and they can't be heard the next day. Year 2026 has been more of a defensive session in defeating bills that shouldn’t pass. However, the legislature is still on the way to getting some good things done. Senate Bill 240 appropriates money to the Country Rural Access Infrastructure Fund which benefits counties and townships. This is a program that has worked well; many of our county township officials have expressed support for it. I voted in favor in the Transportation Committee and on the floor, it passed, 31 to 1. HB 1056 requires a waiver from South Dakota to prevent SNAP benefits from being used for soft drinks. HB 1056 had support from various medical groups and opposition from some business groups and the governor's office with cost and administrative concerns about implementing the new rules. I felt the health benefits tax dollar accountability arguments were stronger and I voted in favor of HB 1056; it passed, 27 to 6. Two major education bills passed the Senate, SB 106 and HB 1130. I was the Senate prime sponsor of HB 1130 which was introduced by Representative Peterson in the House. HB 1130 allows schools to use Capital Outlay funds for property insurance premiums. Insurance rates have gone up drastically and this will help schools by freeing up General funds for payroll and other purposes and prevent and reduce the need for opt outs. SB 106 which was discussed in a previous weekly article increased the Special Education extraordinary cost fund from four million to five million and increased every year for the index factor. This is a much needed change that will make a big difference for schools and students where it is needed most. I voted in favor; it passed the Senate, 23 to 10. Only two weeks remain.