It was another productive week at the Capitol as we focused on protecting South Dakotans, strengthening local infrastructure, and supporting our agricultural economy.
I had the opportunity to attend town halls in Clark and Redfield alongside fellow legislators from District 22 and neighboring districts. Thank you to everyone who came out to share your concerns and ask questions. Hearing directly from constituents helps formulate the decisions we make in Pierre.
We passed SB 98, legislation to protect seniors from fraud involving cryptocurrency ATM kiosks. As technology evolves, so do scams, and it’s important that we put safeguards in place to protect South Dakotans who may become vulnerable to these attacks.
After extensive discussions with the Governor, the Brand Board, and cattle producers, we also passed HB 1020. Producers supported the fee cap adjustments to ensure the Brand Board remains solvent and able to continue serving the livestock industry. The Governor also recently made two appointments to the Brand Board and outlined corrective actions he would like to see addressed.
Public transit providers, including People’s Transit of Huron, were welcomed to Pierre this week. These services are critical in rural South Dakota, helping residents get to medical appointments and access essential services. I also helped secure Department of Transportation funding to further study the importance and long-term sustainability of these services.
In the Local Government Committee, we advanced legislation to help townships address infrastructure challenges and work through issues related to proposed developments that impact local roads. We also passed SB 237, requiring better notice to townships regarding conditional use permits so they can protect infrastructure and be part of the conversation.
We addressed fairness in transportation funding by updating registration requirements for electric vehicles. Because these vehicles contribute to road wear but do not pay fuel taxes at the pump, this change ensures everyone contributes their fair share toward maintaining our roads.
I also attended an event with Farm Credit Services and received an update on the farm economy. While commodity prices remain low, strong yields in many areas helped producers through the year. With federal bridge payments and expectations of lower interest rates, there is reason for cautious optimism moving forward.
Finally, we passed SB 135, strengthening consumer protections for data center development to ensure growth happens responsibly, with safeguards in place.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Please continue reaching out with your thoughts and concerns.
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