The South Dakota Transportation Commission is making a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure by awarding 17 Bridge Improvement Grants for preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement projects. Among the recipients are the city of Sioux Falls and several counties, including Aurora, Codington, Lawrence, Minnehaha, and Pennington. At a recent meeting in Pierre, approximately $80 million was approved for these critical bridge projects, ensuring safer travel and the continued maintenance of vital transportation routes across South Dakota.
This week, several veterans groups are joining forces to honor the sacrifices of prisoners of war. Tomorrow at noon, they will unveil a poignant “Missing Man Table” display at the Capitol Lake Visitor’s Center. The display, situated near other war memorials, serves as a solemn tribute to those who endured captivity and the families who continue to wait for their return. This meaningful event highlights the bravery and sacrifice of prisoners of war, ensuring their memory is preserved for generations to come.
South Dakota has introduced a new law aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content. Governor Rhoden recently signed House Bill 10-53, which mandates age verification for adult websites. The bill defines “covered platforms” as websites that create, host, or distribute material potentially harmful to minors. As a result, these platforms will now be required to implement strict age verification policies to ensure that users are of legal age before accessing adult content. This new legislation is a significant step in regulating online safety and protecting young users from inappropriate material.
Senate Bill 83 would change ingestion of controlled substances from a felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor for first and second offenses, with a third offense within ten years becoming a Class 6 felony.
The bill would empower landowners to sue carbon pipeline land agents for deceptive practices, fraud, misrepresentation, intimidation or harassment during land access deals.
The bill, from Rep. Logan Manhart, R-Aberdeen, died by being sent to the “41st day” of the 40-day legislative session, which would have permitted the state to make up to a 10 percent investment in Bitcoin.
Funds for South Dakota’s new men’s prison ends in defeat, another measure is advancing in the Legislature that would create an Incarceration Task Force.
According to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, the Department of Criminal Investigation is looking into the possible criminal activity of three employees, but he can’t disclose any more information.
Lawmakers narrowly approved the bill on Monday that would make it harder to use eminent domain.
Governor Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 81 on Monday, banning the use of a firearms code for transactions involving guns, ammo, and accessories, with a civil penalty for violations.