As a representative, I am chairman of the Transportation committee and a member of State affairs. Weekly articles will reflect mainly of what is happening in those committees and what has happened on the floor.

The first week laid the foundation for the rest of the 2024 session. In the first session, the House of Representatives temporarily adopted the rules of the last session and re-elected Patricia Miller as Chief Clerk. Justice Satler also swore in employees, interns, and pages.

After the House had resolved, a joint session called to order for Governor Kristi Noem to deliver the State of the State address. Noem emphasized South Dakota's commitment to conservative policies, stating that 'Freedom Works Here.' She was referencing that South Dakota's number-one value is freedom. She then stated the top ten reasons why 'freedom works here': Keep and Bear Arms, Enjoy the Outdoors, Farm and Ranch, Be Secure, get a Second Chance, Be Respected, Learn, Be Healthy, Life, and finally Work. In her top reason, she stated 'We have the Freedom to get up every morning and to provide for ourselves and our families. That’s the American Dream. ' Going on, 'my goal as Governor has never been to create a government that does everything for people, but to create a government that empowers our people to do things for themselves,' which what the purpose of government should be.

Day two consisted of a State Affairs committee meeting where Professor Zhang, Ph.D. of SDSU gave an annual report of the state demographics. In this statement, she explained changes, predictions, and comparisons from surrounding states regarding population, births, Deaths, migration, and immigration.

In 2022, approximately 27,000 people migrated to South Dakota, with North Dakota, California, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota being the top five contributing states. The House of Representatives' second session consisted of passing the 2023 joint rules as temporary for 2024 and creating a joint Memorial Committee. This committee is responsible for honoring those of the House of Representatives and Senate who have recently passed away. Rep. Mullaly introduced House Concurrent Resolution 6001 to support the Electoral College, which passed on the floor. South Dakota only has only 3 out of 538 votes when it comes to voting for our president and vice-president. It is important that we protect the minority inf luence against large states like California and New York. A joint Session was called for the State of Judiciary presented by Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen. The highlight of the speech was protecting indigent defense. Many counties are unable to afford appointed attorneys. House Bill 1064 was enrolled in 2023 to find solutions to make legal services to indigent parties in South Dakota. It is expected to save $2.1 million for the counties and $600,000 statewide.

After a recession, Cindi Allen- Weddell, vice-chair of the Flandreau Santee Sioux, gave the State of the Tribes address, acknowledging the growth, development, and investments of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.

The third day of the session consisted of an annual briefing from the DOT in the Transportation Committee. SDDOT Secretary Joel Jundt presented about highway safety, funding, advancements, federal requirements, and operations. In 2022, there were 137 fatalities and 622 serious injuries, primarily caused by human behavior. That said, please wear your seat belt. HB 1050,this bill is annually updated to comply with federal regulations,other changes include correcting terminology and adding clarification. The third session of the House of Representatives was brief. It was announced that the Memorial Committee recommends that on Jan. 18th, a resolution and program should occur to honor legislatures who have recently passed.