Weeks 4 & 5 of the 100th Legislative Session have come and gone. We are quickly approaching crossover day, which is when all the House bills must be done to send over to the Senate. Property tax relief, the prison in Lincoln County, and priorities for balancing the budget are some of the key issues discussed in the Capitol. HB1025 would authorize and fund the remaining amount needed to build the prison facility has been sent to the appropriations committee for further deliberation. The Governor has revealed his property tax relief bill SB216. This would cap property tax increases at 3% for the next 5 years.
HB 1071 was to modify practice criteria for physician assistants. This bill would allow PAs to operate independently, which would encourage more medical practices to be available in rural areas. I voted yes to give more options and independence to our healthcare providers. This bill passed 54 to 13 out of the House.
HB1109 and HB1118 were two bills that addressed cell-cultured protein. 1109 prohibits the sale of it in SD with a 10 year sunset date. This was brought forward to ensure the safety of these products and is aligned with the typical time spent to study. This bill passed fairly easily out of the House 42 to 26. 1118 prohibits the award or use of state moneys for the research, production, promotion, sale, or distribution of cell-cultured protein. The House agreed unanimously that tax payer funds should not be used for this and passed 68 to 0.
HB1105 would require the display of the state seal or motto in public school classrooms. It would have to be at least 11 by 8.5 inches in size, so a sheet of paper. The form of it would be decided by the administrator of the school. “Under God the People Rule.” In my opinion, this is a critical component for every South Dakotan to know and understand. Our government works for the people not the other way around. The government only has the power given to it by the people. This is a simple 5 word motto that has a huge meaning. SD’s motto is something I consider everyday, while working in the Capitol. This failed to pass the House 30 to 38.
HB1166 was an act to enchanted penalties for the violation of right-to-work statutes and to provide a penalty therefore. This bill would strengthen SD’s rightto- work laws by requiring labor union representatives to get permission from an owner or employer to enter worksites before they collect dues, solicit memberships, or organize a strike. I voted yes and this passed out of the House 59 to 9.
1188 would allow nonresident military members to purchase threeday temporary nonresident waterfowl licenses. This would give the opportunity for active military members to enjoy SD while they are on their leave. I always believe we should support our active duty military in any way possible. This passed out of the House 65 to 3.
1169 was an act to modify the signature requirement for a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment. This would mean that a measure proposed by and signed by at least 5 percent of qualified voters from each senatorial district. I voted yes along with 59 other House members. It passed 60 to 9.
HB1165 would provide a means by which an agricultural producer can reject the imposition of an assessment of crops. This would change how producers can get their check off dollars refunded. Currently, the money is taken when they sell their produce. They have to ask for their money back within the time frame during harvest either through phone or mail by contacting each crop check off program. This bill would allow the producer to opt out of the check off program when they sell their produce. I voted yes because I want the process to be as easy as possible for our producers, especially during the busy harvest season. This failed 34 to 34. The bill’s prime sponsor declared an intent to reconsider, so it could be voted again on the floor this upcoming week.
HB1205 would require Legislative approval of real property leases for over 15 years of over $5 million. This bill was in response to the state signing two leases for over 30 years that will total over $340 million for the taxpayers. The two leases are for the One Stops in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. This is a significant increase in the current amount the state spends on leases. There was no Legislative oversight on this. I voted yes. This bill failed on the House floor 31 to 37.
These are just as few of the bills that the House covered. The House has 269 bills and the Senate has 219 this Legislative session. This amount is less than previous years. Next week, will be as busy as ever, as we approach crossover day on February 25th. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. My email is Kaley. nolz@sdlegislature.gov