HURON The Beadle County Republican Women hosted the three District 22 legislators at their montly luncheon on Thursday, March 20, at Ryans Hangar.
Rep. Lana Greenfield highlighted House Bill 1218 which allows people to use concealed carry when they are in a bar. Greenfield mentioned that the bill provides an option if the owner chooses not to allow conceal carry in the establishment, he/she can post a notice that no guns are allowed. The bill passed and while Greenfield felt that many people were likely already carrying, she had a joking worry that a bill such as this could lead toward the renewal of the Wild West.
Greenfield also discussed Senate Bill 100, which provides for enhanced conceal carry on colleges. Greenfield noted that the bill had plenty of discussion both ways on the merits or concerns for the bill. Even though the bill passed by a large majority, Greenfield stated, It may end up not being the best idea that ever was debated in our chamber.
Finally, Greenfield also covered SB 219 that required cash to be accepted at school-related events. Greenfield explained that the legislature decided that if people want to pay cash, they should have that option when attending an event. There will be some exceptions outlined in the bill.
Sen. David Wheeler discussed a few of the bills he brought this year, including a bill to strengthen the Government Operations and Audit Committee so that it can provide better oversight of the executive branch.
He also had a bill adding a poultry producer to the Animal Industry Board to better coordinate animal disease control, including bird flu, and a bill easing regulations on off-road vehicle dealers to make it easier for them to participate in special events such as the State Fair.
Rep. Kevin Van Diepen discussed his first session as a legislator and highlighted a number of bills. Van Diepen expressed his thanks for those who reached out during the session.
I appreciate the comments that I received while in Pierre and greatly appreciated your support as we all work to make South Dakota and District 22 a great place to call home, he said.
Van Diepen highlighted HB 1041, the funding bill for the state library, which was delivered to the governor with passage in both houses.
One of the more controversial bills of the session also had to do with libraries, HB 1239, which Van Diepen referred to as the locking up librarians bill.
Wheeler filed an amendment that allowed the bill to pass the Senate after itd passed the House. The amended bill passed narrowly in the House, 34-32.
He also discussed SB 99, which provides funding for assault kits in order to ensure that the kits for victims in sexual assaults are not re-victimized by an expired kit when testing.
Van Diepen explained that his testimony on the floor helped to kill a bill that he felt was government overreach, requiring a tag in protective gear for firemen. According to Van Diepen, the bill would have added unneeded cost to fire departments for no additional protection for firefieghters.
Finally, Van Diepen highlighted one bill to replace potential federal money removed from funding nonprofit programs, HB 1221, which funded $5 million toward domestic violence shelters.
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