Former South Dakota House Speaker Steve Haugaard is calling on state lawmakers to reconsider funding a new men’s penitentiary, arguing that the real issue lies in the lack of effective rehabilitation programs, not more prison space.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced that fireworks will light up Mount Rushmore once again in 2026 to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. Joining Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in celebrating the decision, Rhoden called the event a historic moment that will capture global attention. The last fireworks display at the iconic site took place in 2020. Rhoden has extended an invitation to President Trump and looks forward to collaborating with the White House Task Force for the milestone celebration.
South Dakota lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 156, a proposal to raise the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18. Introduced by Republican Senator Sydney Davis, the bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now heads to the Senate floor. Current law allows minors aged 16-18 to marry with parental consent, but advocates, including survivors of child marriages, argue for stronger protections. Opponents contend that the bill could impact couples facing unplanned pregnancies who seek parental rights
South Dakota’s transgender community faces potential challenges with House Bill 1259, currently under discussion by state lawmakers. The bill would restrict access to gender-designated bathrooms based on biological sex. Mike Phelan of the Transformation Project Advocacy Network testified against the bill, emphasizing that transgender individuals using restrooms do not pose a threat. Phelan, also a school board member in Vermillion, highlighted that inclusive bathroom policies in schools since 2022 have caused no issues. The timeline for House decisions on the bill remains uncertain.
South Dakota Governor Rhoden has signed five new bills into law, including Senate Bills 17, 42, and 43, and House Bills 1033 and 1034. These bills tackle critical issues such as wildfire suppression, campaign finance disclosures, emergency disaster declarations, and the regulation of tobacco wholesale prices. With 21 bills now signed this session, Governor Rhoden continues to shape state legislation with a focus on public safety and fiscal transparency
PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) On Wednesday, the South Dakota Senate was split on financial oversight measures. […]
As South Dakota’s legislative session moves into its third week, lawmakers are tackling key […]
PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Governor Kristi Noem is officially the new Secretary of the Department of […]
PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Preparations are underway for the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. According […]
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is pledging his support for President-elect Donald Trump’s […]