Legislative Session 2022

Attorney General Marty Jackley said, in his opinion, a new law requiring the Secretary of State to update the statewide voter registration file does not conflict with existing laws that limit voter registration information.

As immigration crackdowns continue under the Trump administration, agriculture leaders have expressed some anxiety about undocumented workers in the industry. While South Dakota’s congressional delegation acknowledged the need for labor reform, there’s no quick or simple solution.

More than six thousand mailers are being delivered across South Dakota urging residents to register to vote. The organization behind the outreach is targeting the least represented communities in the state.

Each day, SDPB brings you statewide news coverage. We then compile those stories into a daily podcast.

One bill prevents transgender girls from participating in girls sports. It passed 50-17.That’s Governor Kristi Noem’s bill. The Republican governor says she will sign the legislation.

The House Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several bills regulating establishments licensed to sell medical cannabis. Here is a summary of arguments during the debate on House Bill 1095: "An act to allow a local government to prevent a medical cannabis establishment from operating in its jurisdiction."

The majority Republican panel voted 9-3 against the proposal, even after Game, Fish and Parks officials scaled back and relocated the project.

SDPB reporters bring the latest updates on a variety of bills pending in Pierre. Today we talk Custer State Park campground expansion, a Democratic hopeful for governor, and efforts to increase money flowing to low-income students to attend private schools. Lee Strubinger, Arielle Zionts, and Jackelyn Severin join us.

Rep. Jamie Smith is the House minority leader. He says the state has not had good government in the last four years.

A federal judge granted a temporary pause on the Noem administration's rules on medication abortions based on arguments that they likely impose an undue burden on a person's right to an abortion.

After three weeks, the legislative process is hitting its stride in Pierre. However, some of Gov. Kristi Noem’s legislative pushes are hitting roadblocks at the capitol.The Republican-controlled legislature has rejected several of the governor’s proposals and is looking to amend others.

In 2016 state lawmakers approved a scholarship program that gives money to low-income students who want to attend a private k-12 school in the state. The scholarships are funded through tax credits given to insurance companies. Currently, the tax credit is capped at $2 million. Senate Bill 71 would raise that cap to $3.5 million.

At the request of the Chief Justice, the House Judiciary Committee has voted to amend an unenforceable law. Children removed from their homes because of alleged abuse or neglect are entitled to a special advocate in addition to their court-appointed attorney. However, a court spokesman says those advocacy services are not available in all areas of the state, and not every abuse and neglect case requires them.