Below I will break down some of last week’s happenings but we are seeing more substance in bills heading our way in the next two weeks. Property taxes, economic development bills, and bills related to funding public schools, state government employees, and Medicaid providers are yet to arrive.
For our fishing enthusiasts and those who operate businesses supported by fishing, a bill passed for a $8M expansion of the Blue Dog Fish Hatchery. This is exciting news to grow fish faster and multiple species. Perch, bluegill, bass, and crappies in addition to doubling the walleye production is on its way. SD is a put and take state for fisheries and this will ensure more fish are being stocked in our surrounding lakes. Both bills on guide licensing failed. I am happy to see expanded stocking efforts and believe this will make a great impact for our fishing!
Two House bills have now passed both chambers and are sitting on Gov. Larry Rhoden’s desk waiting for his signature. HB 1077 would label lab-grown meat products as adulterated food and effectively ban their sale in the state. It passed the House 45-22, cleared the Senate 18-16 earlier this month, and was sent to the governor last week. There is some chatter that he may veto this bill, but we will find out. I stood against this bill with the Cattleman’s Association and others who felt this bill is unnecessary and that our local beef can outcompete any lab grown beef. Additionally, we have laws guiding labeling that will easily distinguish the difference. Watch a video on this junk and you be the judge:)
The other is the direct-to-consumer meat sales bill, which would loosen rules for buying meat straight from producers if federal law changes to allow it. That one also passed both chambers recently and is now with the governor.
On the floor and in committees, several other House bills are still moving. Property tax relief proposals are getting the most attention, with different versions being debated and reworked in committees. No major package has passed the full House yet. A bill requiring high school coaches to report suspected abuse or neglect advanced strongly out of committee and could reach the floor soon. The fertility fraud measure (criminalizing fraudulent insemination) cleared committee unanimously and is headed to the House floor. A handful of other bills covering things like conscience protections for healthcare providers are also working their way through committees. I am strongly against this bill and have and will work to not allow this to advance, on behalf of patients and healthcare workers.
A few House bills have already fallen short. HB 1068, which would have given liability protection for off-label use of certain COVID-related therapies such as Ivermectin with liability protection to Providers and Pharmacists, was defeated on the House floor 28-40. A version of the worship disruption bill failed badly (21-48) on the floor, though a Senate version moved forward instead. The long-term sales tax break for data centers died in House State Affairs on a 9-3 vote. We may see this again. Lastly, a bill requiring a public vote before school boards levy property taxes lost 29-39, with a reconsideration attempt that rescinded.
Much more to report next week!
As always, please email me at [email protected] or text or call at 605-228-5555.
