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Week three of the Session is in the books and things are getting busy and bills are being dropped at a record pace. Last I checked with LRC staff, over 1000 bills have been drafted and the Committees are having bills flying into them. This is when it is tough to be a Chair. Let’s talk about the Floor this past week, Tuesday we passed HB 1076 which strengthens safety zones and where a convicted child molester can live. We also passed HJR 5001 which defines what is public use in the taking of private property using eminent domain. Wednesday, we took up what I considered to be an important bill, HB1077, which would stop Adulterated meat from being made in South Dakota. As you can imagine this issue brought forth a lot of passionate debate since lab grown meat in this state is a direct assault on our number one industry. Not sure how you can represent South Dakota and vote against this bill but some Legislators did. Thursday, we tried to give citizens another crack at voting against Expanded Medicaid, but it failed. I supported it because I’m not sure we got it right the first time since we’re now spending more on Medicaid then K-12 education and that just doesn't make sense to me. We have 2% or less unemployment in this state and have been averaging around 25 thousand advertised jobs daily, so spending this much on Medicaid does not make sense to me. Also, on Thursday we voted to take firearm silencers off the controlled weapons list. This was a very popular bill and had few opposition votes. That pretty much sums up the Floor this week but since it’s early in the Session the committees are where the action is at so if you’re planning a trip to Pierre, come early and sit in on one of the committee meetings. Speaking of visitors, we had Corsica/Stickney and Armour schools visit us this week. I’ve said it before, I love when these students come and visit, we get them in a room and visit with them for awhile and it is always a good time. The upcoming week is going to be tough, it’s the one week we’re there 5 days and then on Saturday we have Cracker Barrell’s in Winner and Gregory. Please check for times and locations in the papers and I hope to see you there. Next weekend on the 14th we have Cracker Barell’s in White Lake, Corsica, and Platte and I encourage all of you to attend. It’s a great chance to visit with and ask questions of those that represent you. So, until next week, stay warm and please get a hold of me at 605-680-0304 or email me at Marty.overweg@sdlegislature.gov. with any questions or concerns. Thanks for Your support.
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Avon High School Drama Club competed in the Region IV competition on January 22nd in Mitchell. They received 2nd place, which advanced them to the State One Act Festival. Superior Individual ActorAwardswereearnedbyJakeNamminga,LexiVanderlei,Anna Lupi, Ella Hamilton, Kate Swier, and Abby Gretschmann.
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the completion of Week Three. The most significant piece of legislation passed was HB1044 makinganappropriationforthe Rural Health Transformation Program. The bill authorizes 402 million dollars in Federal Funds for supporting health care in rural areas, including strengthening work force, expanding access to care, expanding technology and innovation, and modernizing facilities. 189 million dollars are available the first year. The funding comes from the “Big Beautiful Bill” that was passed in Congress last summer. Governor Rhoden stated 'This is a big win for rural South Dakota! This may be the most significant investment in rural healthcare in South Dakota’s history, and it will strengthen our state for our kids and grandkids.” This was the first bill he signed into law this session. HB1044 needed a two thirds vote to pass; if there was ever a time this session for major legislation to pass unanimously it was HB1044, butthefinalvotewas32-2inthe Senate and 56-11 in the House.
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Week 3 of the 2026 Legislature I talked to one of the LRC bill writers this week. He said that he expected about 700+/- bills to be “dropped”. Our committee meetings are full every day of people to testify for or against a particular bill, and questions and discussions have been really thorough.
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Legislative week number three was action packed and full of little reminders of the goodness of God in every aspect of life. Senate Concurrent Resolution 604, a resolution encouraging the people of the state of South Dakota to seek the Lord Most High for His healing presence and mercy upon South Dakota, was heard and passed through both chambers this week. I introduced this Resolution after having the opportunity to speak with Representative Monty Fritts of Tennessee, who co-authored and introduced a very similar resolution in Tennessee. The testimonies of unity, revival, and a return to an awareness of our true moral condition after meetings were held across the state was truly inspiring. This Resolution looks back to our founding fathers and their actions, looks at current struggles we see, and admits it is a problem with the heart at the root of all and turns to the only one who can help us out of the hole we are in. We invite all who are “physically able and spiritually inclined to join us annually during the month of July for a time of prayer and fasting.” A Resolution is non-binding, does not mandate anything, or require funding.
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Recently my family had an unexpected (and unwanted) visitor in our house; the flu. For so many of us, this time of year is filled with sickness of all kinds. A piece of advice you commonly hear when you’re sick is, “go get some rest”. This bit of advice, connects well to the idea of listening to your body.
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The Southeast region of South Dakota has generated more in tourism revenue for the state than the Black Hills and Badlands for three consecutive years.
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