HB 1169 is an act to authorize the performance and reporting of medical procedures to avert the death or physical impairment of a pregnant female and to declare an emergency. This bill was tabled in House Health and Human Services. Representative Rehfeldt, Senator Davis, and I worked with Right to Life on this bill to clarify what life and health of the mother meant. Doctors taking care of women during pregnancy need to understand how they can legally take care of pregnant women and their baby, when things take a turn for the worse. This was language that has been law for 30 years, before the trigger law. Right to life and other supporters backed out on us at the 11th hour and without time to educate legislators on this, we were forced to table the bill. This will be back next session because it is a pro-life bill.

I passed SB 118 out of Senate Education, which will add Pre-K teachers to the tuition reduction program (previously was just K-12). This passed unanimously but will now go to joint appropriations for further discussion.

I also passed SB 175 out of Senate Health, which will allow PAs the ability to practice, after 2080 hours of working with a provider, without a supervising physician. This is important for areas in District 21 and even more important in areas like Todd and Mellette County. This improves access to medical care and reduces costs. This passed 5-2 out of committee and will be heard on the Senate floor Monday.

I also passed SB 63 unanimously out of Senate Ag committee. This bill allows for 6 million dollars to build an indoor rodeo arena for SDSU. SDSU was given 28 acres of land by the Board of Regents and is willing to raise 4 million. We need to keep our rodeo kids in SD and have a safe facility for them to practice at. This will now move to joint appropriations.

I also passed SB 4 off the Senate floor. This will now go to the house. This allows for a judge’s discretion to use DOC services after a child has committed 2 offenses (was amended on the Senate floor from 3) within 1 year. Judges will still have discretion. This will help children get the services they need and get them back on track with their future.

Next week I will be presenting the Governor’s bill allowing for a CFIUS board to review foreign ag land purchases (Senate Ag - Tuesday 10 am) and a truck warranty clarification bill (Senate Commerce -Thursday 10 am).

Other important Bills SB 146 is a truth in sentencing bill for violent offenders. Often, parole happens way before the victims realize. This bill will help so there is truth in sentencing, so victims have a realistic idea how long offenders will be kept. I think this is a reasonable ask in the judicial process. Even life-in-prison, doesn’t necessarily mean life; and that is not fair.

SB 1080 is a bill to stop transgender surgery and hormones for minors. We heard testimony from individuals who had underwent surgery and regretted it later and noted that is severely affected their quality of life and still left them suicidal even after surgical intervention. These individuals have lasting problems because they had these interventions. Suicide is a huge problem in this group of kids and we will continue to promote mental health access for every minor.

Capitol visits Thus far, we have met with the Wagner and Armour high school government classes. These kids have asked some very good questions and I am so thankful that the schools are bringing them up to session to see how government works!

I will continue to work hard for District 21 and please reach out with any questions or concerns at erin.tobin@sdlegislature. gov. Please put District 21 in the subject heading.

Thank you, Senator Tobin