We are off and running and the first week of the 100 Legislative Session is complete. It promises to be challenging and interesting with all the new members, new leadership, new committees, and the proposed 2025 very lean budget.

Rumor is that there could be 500-600 bills. The main issues this session will be the proposed budget cuts, prison issues, pipeline, eminent domain, property tax reductions, education funding (public education versus private and homeschool), sales tax, funding for the big three at 1.25 percent, fee increases on a variety of areas, etc. The education lobbyist groups will handle most of the education issues concerning funding and we are hoping the counselors will stay focused on certain issues directly affecting them. Those issues are particularly vouchers and other issues attempting to change policies for public schools.

There are a number of budget cuts including cuts to SD Public Broadcasting and Libraries which indirectly affects education. The new voucher program proposed for Private Schools and Home Schools of $4 million with each child to receive $3000 will also have affects on education.

SB 18 – Require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors with a penalty

SB 51 – Requires the display and curricular inclusion of the Ten Commandments in schools

SB 58 – Revise provisions related to human trafficking to prohibit the obstruction of human trafficking enforcement and to provide a penalty – AG bill SB 71 – Revise provisions pertaining to the compulsory age of school attendance

HB 1002 – Requires all certified teachers and administrators to take a course in Indian Studies – passed House Education 12-3 and is on the House floor

HB 1004 – Provides tuition for student placed in a residential treatment center – bill was heard on Friday and a number of questions were presented on process and how DOE and DSS operate. Bill was delayed until next Friday to get the answers and further discuss the bill.

HB 1005 – Removes the requirement for payment of a private home study by DSS

HB 1009 – Creates a voucher program (now called an education empowerment account) for private and home school kids. Bill takes money from the state aid formula for this program and little or no accountability – bill is up for hearing on Wednesday in House Education Committee

HB 1020 – Voucher bill sponsored by Rep. Odenbach –bill proposes new program of $4 million for private and homeschool kids at $3000 per child. No accountability or transparency and new program.

HB 1039 – Repeals the programs reimbursing a teacher or school counselor for earning National Board Certification

HB 1040 – Reduces the state’s contribution to a subsidized high school dual credit program – should oppose

HB 1041 – Revises and repeals certain provisions pertaining to the state library and library board

HB 1053 – Require age verification by websites containing material harmful to minors with a penalty – passed committee 11-2 and is on the House floor

HB 1054 – Act to authorize volunteer chaplains to serve public schools – bill not needed as we can currently allow this

HB 1061 – Prohibit a health care provider from restricting or denying a parent or guardian access to certain medical records and other health information of a minor

HB 1068 – Allow a student to wear certain military decorations at school graduation 

Please make sure you keep in contact with your legislators and help us have a successful session. Thank you.