We’re now halfway through the session, and the pace is accelerating. Every day, we make decisions that shape South Dakota’s future—some for the better, others taking us in the wrong direction. Here’s a look at key wins, setbacks, and what’s ahead.
Wins for South Dakota This week, we saw progress in infrastructure, government transparency, public education, and justice reform—critical areas affecting our economy, governance, and communities.
Investing in Our Airports: The Senate passed a key infrastructure package to improve airports statewide, enhancing safety and economic development by keeping our communities well-connected.
Protecting Public Education: We successfully defeated SB 190, which was another attempt to take money away from public schools. Thanks to strong advocacy from educators, parents, and community leaders, we protected public education.
Advancing Justice and Rehabilitation: The Democratic caucus secured a win with SB 192, led by Senator Jamie Smith, to rename the Department of Corrections to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The bill passed unanimously in committee and the Senate. This reflects a commitment to reducing recidivism and meaningful justice reform. As discussions continue on funding a new men’s prison, this legislation is a step in the right direction.
A Major Setback: SB 100 Despite strong opposition from law enforcement, the Board of Regents, and local officials, the Senate passed SB 100—allowing firearms in sensitive areas of college campuses. This legislation disregards public safety concerns and strips local governments of their ability to make decisions best suited to their communities.
Looking Ahead
My colleagues and I will keep fighting for policies that serve South Dakotans, not special interests. This week, we’ll tackle key issues like education funding, rural healthcare access, and economic development.
I encourage all South Dakotans to stay engaged— your voices matter. Together, we can push for commonsense solutions that strengthen our state.
Thank you for staying involved. I’ll keep you updated as the session continues.