The Legislature met for five days this week and we were able to work through a lot of bills. The Transportation Committee has passed two new license plate bills.

House Bill 1119A would create a habitat conservation specialty plate and emblem. The contributions from the plate will go to the Department of Revenue, and the earnings from the emblem will go to Game Fish and Parks for purposes of habitat development and enhancement on public and private lands. It was reported to the committee that the plates would be a prairie view, and the emblems would be South Dakota icons like a pheasant, the state flower, or potentially a white-tail deer. If the bill successfully passes, South Dakota residents can expect a new and visually appealing way to support habitat conservation efforts through their vehicle plates.

Another bill, HB 1120B, would create an EMT and life support personnel plate. This bill is An Act to provide special motor vehicle license plates for advanced life support personnel and emergency medical technicians. This plate will be similar to the firefighter plate but will be custom to the EMS symbol and colors. This specialized recognition not only serves as a visible token of appreciation for the essential work of EMTs but also highlights the importance of acknowledging their contributions to the community. When these plates become a sight on the road, they act as a visual reminder for motorists to be aware and considerate, potentially prompting quicker responses and cooperation during emergency situations.

Last year, we passed SB 139 which changed residency and voting registration requirements. Unfortunately, the conversation has come up about whether the bill violates the Voting Rights Act of 1970. SB 139 enacted a 30-day residency requirement, but the Voting Rights Act of 1970 prohibits residency requirements in any presidential election. SB 17 would revert voting residency requirements to before last year's SB 139. The purpose of last year's SB 139 was to protect electoral integrity. decisions should ideally be based on local issues, and individuals who have been traveling through Texas, Florida, Alabama, etc., are likely to have different interests compared to someone residing in South Dakota. I voted against SB17, but it passed out of committee and will be heard on the House floor. This bill was brought by the Secretary of State.

HB1136 passed from the House. It increases fees that barbers pay to fund their organizations that ensure that their shops are safe and up to code. My local barber, Mr. Bohnet, testified in favor of this bill so I knew it was good.

HB 1092 passed and will move onto the Senate. It would raise the uniform all emergency surcharge to $2 per service use line. This will bring the funding to 58% of the actual costs. The cities or counties make up the difference now.

HB 1125 passed which prohibited the sale of chemically modified or converted hemp. This would make it illegal to sell highly psychoactive THC-O products while not affecting the CBD creams or oils that are helpful products.

Please read HCR 6011 which I brought to the floor and it was passed unanimously. It urges the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement to establish a law enforcement academy in SD. This had the support of the Attorney General’s Office and the Governor’s Office and in my district Yankton Sioux Tribe and others.

I would like to recognize Kathy Holter, business manager for Platte-Geddes and Michelle Slaba Special Ed Director for the Wagner School District as they were awarded administrators in the state.

I would like to thank Nicolette Hoffman from Armour who was an outstanding Page in the House again this year. It was great to meet her Senior Class when they visited the Capitol this year.

We will be attending the Cracker Barrells this Saturday, Feb. 10, beginning at 1 pm at the Gregory Community Room and at the American Legion at 4 pm in Winner.