Crossover Day was Thursday, which means the bills had to be passed by the House of origin. Which means the bill passed by the House come over to the Senate committees for work and will be voted on by the full Senate if they are passed out of committee.

SB155 passed which is a consumer bill that makes step therapy for medications and expedites and addresses the protocol requirements for patients. SB2 expands a statewide 211information system. It is a full service helpline, which directs callers to the proper agency or department to get help in disaster situations, social services or mental health issues.

In the Senate Ag Committee HB 1008 passed which is the industrial hemp bill. It now goes to the Senate floor. Since it came from the House it did not have to be acted on this week. However, funding is an issue for the Hemp bill. SB164 passed which requires a vehicle get over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with $275 minimum fine for those who ignore the law. SB 170 changed the provisions regarding school district capitol outlay funds. This should help our school with the budget crunch and allow more flexibility. SB72 established the Dakota Promise Scholarship Program with funds matched by public and private schools for SD residents, who are eligible for the Pell grant, have an ACT 22 or better on their ACT and have a3.0 GPA and remain fulltime students.

SJR 503 failed which was to rescind a resolution passed in 2015 by the SD Legislature calling for a constitutional convention. An email I received says it best. This is not an easy issue that can be processed intelligently during an already over scheduled session. There should be no immediate pressure to withdraw our resolution as the potential convention call 34 state minimum is not soon to be met. The question should be fully explored allowing us a chance to feel confident with our position based on fact.

HB1170 passed out of committee, which will allow for tow truck vehicles and Dept. of Transportation vehicles to have a blue flashing light. In Iowa, after they have installed blue lights the accidents have been down by 2/3 in the past two years.

SB96 passed which would not allow the denial of (TANF) temporary assistance for needy families who have committed a drug offense but are working and getting help. The Senate also passed SB66 with a unanimous vote. It provides for the creation of Oceti Sakowin community based schools. This was brought in conjunction with the Governors Office, the Department of Education and legislature from the districts involved and had the endorsement of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. The bill has been put together by a collaboration of these groups along with the parents and communities. The bill is thoroughly vetted to make sure students get rigorous academics from a quality school with a wide range of in-house services, supports and opportunities for the purpose of promoting each students learning and development. The school will incorporate Indigenous language as the institutional language. The board of a school district has sixty days to review and either approve or deny the application.

The Judiciary Committee will be hearing testimony and take action on HB117, the riot bill, on March 3 at 7 pm.

Thursday the Senate Ag committee passed HB1257, which deals with individuals who knowingly enter or trespasses on private property for hunting, trapping or fishing. The bill mandates a $500 fine and loss of hunting and fishing license for one year.

This next week will be extremely busy. There will be committee meetings scheduled in the evenings in order to act on all of the legislation. Please feel free to contact me. My email is rockyblare@gmail.com.

Rocky Blare

District 21 Senator