This week I would like to highlight two topics that many of you have asked for more information on. First of all, Senate Bill 68 which would prohibit the intentional misbranding of lab-developed, non-meat products. This bill was in the House Ag and Natural Resources committee and passed out overwhelmingly. The Second issue is the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks new deer license allocation plan. The original plan that was rejected by the Legislative Rules Review committee last year has been worked on to fix many of the concerns that were raised by constituents and legislators.

Senate Bill 68 prohibits the intentional misbranding of lab-developed, non-meat products as meat products. The bill's sponsor talked about how he wants to protect the agricultural industry of South Dakota. The term "meat" is already defined in South Dakota law as the edible part of certain animals, so this bill does not create any new definitions rather it prohibits intentional misrepresentation of products. This bill protects agricultural industry from unfair competition from products that are plant-based or developed in a lab to imitate meat. The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, SoybeanGrowers,FarmersUnion, Cattlemen's Association, and Farm Bureau all spoke in favor of the bill. The bill passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote, and was placed on consent calendar.

The Department of the Game, Fish and Parks presented on their new deer license allocation plan. Their new plan deals with the 6 firearms seasons for adults: West River, East River, Black Hills, Muzzleloader, Custer State Park, and Refuge (Youth and Archery seasons will be allocated separately). The department stated how under their past plan the division of licenses was not always fair, and it did not take hunter's preferred seasons into consideration. The new plan limits hunters to two license applications in the first draw, but they can pick their preferred from the 6 aforementioned seasons. The second draw will be for a maximum of 2 licenses (If you draw 1 in the first you could apply for 1 additional in the second draw). Starting with the Third draw, residents will be allowed to submit 1 application for each season they did not previously draw. The department said they hope this will allow more hunters to get at least one license and that they will be more likely to get one of their preferred seasons.

If you have more questions about the Deer Allocation Plan please visit www.gfp.sd.govfor more information. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and as always if you have any legislative questions please feel free to contact me by cell at 605-933-2042 or by email at Caleb.Finck@SDLegislature.gov.