This bill is a legislative commemoration honoring the life and legacy of Tim Johnson, a former United States senator, representative, and state legislator from South Dakota, who passed away on October 8, 2024, at the age of 77. Johnson's political career spanned thirty-six years, making him the longest-serving elected official in South Dakota's history. Throughout his tenure, he was a dedicated advocate for various causes, including rural water projects, the ethanol industry, and the rights of Native American Tribal Nations, earning him the Lakota name Wacante Ognake, meaning "Holds the people in his heart."

The commemoration highlights Johnson's impressive electoral record, as he never lost an election, and his leadership roles, including chairing the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Despite facing health challenges due to a congenital defect, he continued to serve effectively and was re-elected in 2008. The bill concludes by recognizing Johnson as an exemplary lawmaker who utilized his experiences in state politics to serve South Dakota with distinction at the national level.