The increase in bills filed this year is evident by the workload. As of this writing, we’re sitting at 384 bills filed: 192 from each chamber. We’ve hit the deadline for unlimited bill introduction and January 31st is the final day each legislator can introduce individual bills (a max of up to three more bills/each). Last year we had 450 bills total for the entire session. I can say with high confidence we’ll surpass that total this year.
We debated a lot of bills in our committees and on the floor this week with some proposals moving forward in the process and others being “deferred to the 41st day” which is a South Dakota-nice way of killing a bill. In addition to my weekly summary, below my signature I’ll include a small list of stories on the variety of hot topics we wrestled with this week in Pierre.
This week in education we heard a couple of big proposals. Monday, we held the hearing on HB1042, a proposal on reimbursing school districts to cover the difference on the federal reduced lunch program. This legislation was a product of many months of collaboration between stakeholders across the state. I was proud to be a sponsor and thankful for the many proponents who helped testify in support. Unfortunately, the legislation was defeated in committee by a one vote margin.
I have a similar proposal I’ve been weighing for months that would seek to help those families caught in the middle, the ones who are working hard but make just a few hundred dollars too much to qualify for any support. For some, it can almost feel like a disincentive to work. Based on feedback from my colleagues I think we can win over some votes, but the challenge is always going to be, “how do we pay for it?”
The two other big bills in education included SB1 which expands a tuition discount at our regental schools to counselors and head start employees and SB72 which increases the scholarship fund for the Partners in Education tax credit program. Both bills were passed out of the education committee with my support.
I’ve finally come to the realization that I’m part of the “busy-ness” problem this year. I’ll end up with around eight bills introduced by the end of next week. My legislation on housing infrastructure that includes tribes moved through the entire process and now awaits the governor’s signature. Check one off the list! My week four legislation will include:
- A Medal of Honor Recognition Day bill voted on by the full House.
- A bill to waive the fee to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate if one is experiencing homelessness. That will have its first hearing Tuesday.
- Legislation to deter catalytic converter thefts.
- A bill to carve out multi-passenger bicycles in statute and more!
We’re making progress. If you have questions about any subject or proposal you’re hearing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll share with you what I know, will do some research for you to get your answers, or will at least point you in the right direction. Text or call me at 605-610-8884 anytime.
-Tyler