South Dakota Lawmakers Tackle Dozens of Bills on 30th Legislative Day

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South Dakota lawmakers returned to the state Capitol in Pierre for the 30th day of the legislative session, taking up a full agenda of bills spanning abortion policy, property taxes, education, and election law. Committees are considering measures related to prenatal development instruction in schools, the legal definition of abortion, and requiring employers to use the federal E-Verify system. The House is debating a property tax credit and a trades center construction proposal, while the Senate reviews executive appointments and a measure on social media data access.

Why it matters

This legislative session in South Dakota reflects broader political debates happening across the country, with lawmakers tackling high-profile issues like abortion, education, and election laws. The outcome of these bills could have significant impacts on the state's residents and policies.

The details

On the 30th day of the legislative session, South Dakota lawmakers in Pierre are considering a wide range of bills. Committees are looking at measures that would require prenatal development instruction in schools, change the legal definition of abortion, and mandate employers use the federal E-Verify system. The House is taking up a proposal to offer a tax credit for owner-occupied property as well as a bill authorizing construction of a trades center at Lake Area Technical College. In the Senate, members are reviewing executive appointments and a measure requiring social media companies to provide users with their collected personal data upon request. Additional hearings are focused on proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration and revisions to the state's minimum marriage age.

• The South Dakota legislature is in session on this 30th legislative day.
• Committees are considering bills during the current legislative day.