The Education committee had the day off on Monday as we waited for Senate Bills to arrive, so our day started at 2:00 finding us on the House floor. We again started with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the work began.

The Senate had sent HB1188 which will limit the liability of law enforcement and others when they were removing a vehicle from the roadway back to the House with an amendment. We concurred , and it’s on it’s way to the Governor’s desk.SB223 had a vote to reconsider from last week, and it was denied 31-34. The appropriation to Lake Area Technical College to build another building for HVAC study was denied. We passed SB164 which requires CDL holders to be proficient in the English language. SB36 was passed which affects our REA’s liability when they have a wildfire plan and work that plan. We denied SB190H which would have been damaging to our local school control. There was a request for a reconsideration of the vote, so we will vote on it again. We passed SB60 to restrict foreign countries from owning land in South Dakota. We passed more bills and the day was over.

Tuesday’s session found SB190 back up for reconsideration. It was again denied. SB198 having to do with a bell to bell cell phone ban with some exemptions was smoked out and calendared for Thursday. An attempt tp smoke out SJR504 to allow mobile sports betting was denied. The Attorney General’s office brought SB41 online digitally fabricated material of an identifiable individual (making AI fake nude pictures) illegal. It passed 60-6. The AG also brought SB42 to increase penalties for ingestion, possession of a controlled substance, and intent to deliver controlled substances while in the penitentiary. The AG’s office also brought SB98 to prevent virtual (bit coin) currency kiosk fraud. It too passed 59-7. These were bills that could possibly be affecting some of our folks.

On Wednesday an appropriation for an SDHP airplane was approved and an appropriation was approved to build a new laboratory space and classrooms at Southeast Technical College. We passed SB124, the Governor’s bill, to temporarily prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of any product containing cell-cultured protein for a period of five years. We failed an attempt to place on the ballot the removal of the Lt. Governor as the presiding officer of the Senate. This was a busy but productive day.

Thursday found us on the floor of the House at 1:00 in an attempt to get done early so that legislators travel home in the daylight. We passed SB107 quickly. This bill added licensed and registered child care programs to the definition of a community safety zone (safe space from registered pedophiles). SB198 which was an attempt for the state to affect cellphone usage by students during the school day. The bill was defeated for fear that this would take away from local control by school boards and administrations. And our week was over.

I pray that each of you stay safe and healthy, may God bless you. Stay positive.