Details from District 2: Bill moves forward on eminent domain issue

We are beginning the fifth week of the legislative session, that means we are now halfway through. 

I would like to start off by thanking District 2 voters for electing me. I really feel honored to represent you in Pierre. 

Week four was our only five-day week. It was busy and exciting.  

Tuesday, HB1080, the Help Not Harm Act went to committee. This bill has received a lot of attention, as it’s meant to protect minors from making life-altering decisions to their body while they are still young and vulnerable. The room was full and many testified on both sides. It passed out of committee 11-2. 

Wednesday was the day several election integrity bills were heard. I personally brought HB1115. This is a bill where ballots must be kept 182 days after an election before being destroyed rather than the previous law of 60 days. This provides more time in case a discrepancy is found. It passed the House State Affairs Committee 13-0. It also made it through the House Floor. It was an accomplishment for me that my first bill I introduced was successful. 

Wednesday was also the deadline to submit new bills. 

My wife was able to spend the whole week with me in Pierre. On Thursday, she got to attend the 1st Gentlemen’s luncheon with Representative Kull’s wife and several other legislator’s spouses at the Governor’s mansion. 

In Thursday’s session, HB1080 was brought to the House floor. It passed 60-10 and is heading to the Senate. 

Thursday evening all legislators and their spouses were invited to attend the SD National Guard Military Dining Out. District 2 legislators were honored to dine with Colonel James Linn and his wife JoAnn, residents of Brandon. 

Monday morning of week 5, Eminent Domain bills were brought to House State Affairs. As of this writing: HB 1133 passed out of committee with an 8-5 vote. It is now headed to the House floor. 

Keep watching for further results on this topic, as it is very important to landowners in our district. 

Please feel free to email me with information and concerns that are important to you. I’m glad to hear from people in my district. You may know more about a topic than I do and I would enjoy learning from you.