97th Legislative Session, Week 4 Recap
With the first week of February done, the session continues to push on, and legislators continue to work through bills.
Last week I talked about SB 46 being heard in committee earlier in the week and on the house floor on Thursday. The bill was deferred for two more days and was heard at the beginning of this week on Tuesday. The bill was passed and sent to the Governor's desk for signing, protecting fairness in women's sports. Governor Noem signed this bill on Thursday. Throughout this 5-day week, we hit many deadlines pushing us forward in the session. HB 1048 was heard on Tuesday in the House Ag and Natural Resource Committee. This bill was brought forth by the Appropriations Committee at the request of Game, Fish, and Parks. This bill would make an appropriation to GFP to expand Custer State Park with new camping sites. With many concerns from constituents, the bill was deferred to the 41st day, killing it. Concerns expressed with this bill included disrupting wildlife, high cost, and government competing with small private businesses. HB 1005 was passed through House State Affairs and the House floor; it will be heard in Senate Judiciary on February 8th. HB 1005 will require school administrators to designate any multi-occupancy shower, changing, or restroom in public schools, for use only by members of the same sex. This bill passed on the house floor with 38 yeas and 29 nays.
On Tuesday, we had a special treat from the Department of Tourism. Sara Carlson, the Art Program Specialist, and Wanda Goodman, the Deputy Secretary, both from the Department of tourism, sang the national anthem to kick off the session. On Thursday night, we had the privilege to attend the 2022 military ball. The ball was a great event with a parade of service flags, dinner, awards, and an address from the Governor. We honored those who served, dedicated time and put forth bravery so we can keep our freedoms.
We welcomed Senator Rounds back to the Capitol to get an update on what is happening in DC and what he's been hearing as he tours the state.
