Crackerbarrel, Visiting with Ag Producers, and Complicated Floor Routines

The Crackerbarrel on Saturday in Rapid City provided the community with the opportunity to ask questions about this legislative session. Hot topics were marijuana, HB 1076, which requires that birth certificates reflect biological sex, and legislator spending priorities (of which there are many). The next Crackerbarrel will be held February 20th, 9:00 am-11:00 am MT at Western Dakota Technical College.

Later that afternoon, I was able to join Governor Noem, Lt Governor Rhoden, and a handful of other west river legislators to meet with agriculture leaders and producers at the Black Hills Stock Show. Saturday evening concludead with the Stockmans Ball.

Monday: Legislature and other complicated floor routines

I was able to present two of my bills, SB 73, An Act to revise provisions regarding the sale of certain government owned vehicles by an auction agency, and SB 83, An Act to require the provision of information regarding perinatal hospice on the Senate floor, both of which passed unanimously and are now on their way to the House. You can listen to SB 73 here, and SB 83 here.

Why is my Senator’s name in the paper? (again) Oceti Sakowin: provide for the creation and funding of Oceti Sakowin community-based schools. This bill is called a Lazarus bill behind the scenes (for it’s tendency to be killed and rise from the dead over and over for 40 years). Although this bill passed last year unanimously out of the Senate last year, it suffered a loss 20-14 on Monday, February 1st. To hear the bill and my testimony click here. For other articles regarding this subject click below:

https://www.kotatv.com/2021/02/02/south-dakota-senate-kills-oceti-sakowin-schools-proposal/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/education/senate-rejects-oceti-sakowin-school-bill-sen-heinert-likely-to-reintroduce-the-legislation/article_7c6c4259-532a-5e3b-8b2e-959923632ba8.amp.html

The bill will be heard again today (Tuesday, February 2nd) with amendments. We’ll see what happens during session.

Wednesday I’ll give an update on SB 150 (aka why I love fireworks but am bringing a fireworks penalty bill- it’s not as bad as it sounds). We’ll see how that goes in committee, if it passes with flying colors or blows up in my face.