The summary below was generated by AskAI, an artificial intelligence tool from FastDemocracy, trained on transcripts generated from publicly-available video and audio recordings of official government debate, made using TranscriptAI.
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Here are the most discussed topics in South Dakota this week:
- Parental Rights and Juvenile Justice: The Senate debated SB 190, sponsored by Senator Grove, which aims to codify parental rights in education and healthcare. Initially, the bill failed to pass the Senate on February 12th with 17 votes in favor and 16 against. However, it was reconsidered and passed on February 17th with 19 votes in favor and 15 against, after an amendment was introduced regarding emergency medical treatment for minors without parental consent. In the House, HB 1187, which seeks to add coaches to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect, was discussed, including proposed amendments by Representative Fitzgerald and Representative Peterson. The Senate Judiciary Committee also advanced SB 179, allowing courts to commit juveniles adjudicated delinquent for certain weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections, and supported SB 220, which proposes a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional facilities.
- State Budget and Funding Priorities: Legislative leaders held a press conference discussing an increase of approximately $30 million in revenue estimates, prompting discussions on prioritizing spending for public schools, healthcare, and state employees. HB 1205, sponsored by Representative Uri Balk, which updates the education funding formula to include a 3% growth floor, was highlighted as a key initiative. Other significant funding bills that passed the Senate included HB 1118 (Senator Miskimans) for an addition to the swine research facility at South Dakota State University, and HB 1137 for $40 million for an indoor athletic facility at the University of South Dakota. Additionally, SB 20, which appropriates funds for tax refunds for elderly and disabled persons, and SB 55 for extraordinary litigation expenses, both passed the Senate with a two-thirds majority.
- Healthcare Policy and Reproductive Rights: Several healthcare-related bills were introduced and discussed. HB 1105 aims to restrict contracts that prohibit healthcare services in medically underserved areas. HB 1169 proposes classifying metatomidine as a schedule three controlled substance and establishing permissible uses, while HB 1183 revises qualifications for immunity from prosecution following a drug-related overdose. A significant point of contention was HB 1182, which passed out of committee and was criticized for potentially creating a state registry of private reproductive decisions and forcing clinics to report personal information, raising concerns about reproductive rights and privacy.
- Election Administration and Technology Regulation:The House State Affairs Committee considered HB 1314, sponsored by Representative Tony Kaiser, which seeks to modify provisions related to the testing and use of automatic tabulating equipment to enhance election security. However, due to significant concerns, it was tabled until the 41st day. HB 1316, clarifying the timing for conducting election canvasses, passed the House State Affairs Committee. In the Senate Judiciary Committee, SB 168 aimed to regulate the use of conversational AI services by minors, but was also tabled until the 41st day for further input.
Sources:
SD SD Senate | 2026-02-12 (2026-02-13)(video)
SD Senate Judiciary & 10:00 AM/CT House Transportation – 2026-02-12 (2026-02-12)(video)
SD House State Affairs & 10:00 AM/CT Senate State Affairs | 2026-02-18 (2026-02-18)(video)
SD SD Senate | 2026-02-17 (2026-02-18)(video)
SD Senate Education & 10:00 AM/CT Senate Ag and Natural Resources | 2026-02-12 (2026-02-12)(video)
SD Legislative Leadership Press Conference | 2026-02-12 (2026-02-12)(video)
SD House Ag and Natural Resources | 2026-02-17 (2026-02-17)(video)
SD SD House of Representatives | 2026-02-11 (2026-02-12)(video)