One hundred and five legislators from the 35 districts have gathered in the South Dakota Capitol Building in Pierre, South Dakota, marking the beginning of the 2022 South Dakota Legislative Session. From Jan. 11 until March 28, the legislature will convene over 38 working days to discuss the state’s needs through bills proposed by legislators. 

Students’ Association President Andrew Rasmussen said he recommends students be aware of what is going on in Pierre these next few months. Students have multiple opportunities to get involved in the legislative process.

“Getting involved, whether that be here or at home, it’s critical to the process. Being a student and showing that you’re invested here and in your education, that’s going to mean a lot,” Rasmussen said.

He also recommends reaching out to legislators both in Brookings and in students’ home counties if they’re from South Dakota. Legislator contact information can be found on the South Dakota Legislature website. 

“We would be hard-pressed to find representatives who fight as hard as they do here for us,” Rasmussen said.

Brock Brown, a student regent on South Dakota’s Board of Regents and an SDSU student, also recommends reaching out to both home district and District 7 representatives. He said that anyone can go to Pierre to voice their opinion on a bill to legislators.

The Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce will also be hosting a Legislative Coffee event with the District 7 representatives on Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the City/County Government Center. All representatives will be weighing in on a range of subjects being discussed during this legislative session. All Brookings and SDSU residents are welcome. 

With a total of 219 bills being introduced this session, it can be difficult to sort through and understand what’s going on. Here are a few bills that can potentially impact college students if passed.

Lifestyle:

SB 53: “Make an appropriation to increase workforce housing and to declare an emergency.”

What does that mean? Would devote $200 million to making housing more affordable to moderate and middle-income households.

Status as of 1/21/2022: Introduced to Senate.

SB 69: “Provide for an electronic system to update voter registration information.”

What does that mean? Would allow previously registered voters to update their voter information (address, last name, party information, etc.) online.

Status as of 1/21/22: Deferred to another day by Senate.

SB 72: “Establish the crime of hazing and to provide a penalty therefor.”

What does that mean? States a person who engages in hazing can be criminally charged ranging from a Class 2 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony.

Status as of 1/21/22: Scheduled for hearing by Senate Judiciary on 1/25/2022.

SJR 502: “Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.”

What does that mean? Would amend Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota to allow wagering on sporting events within and outside of Deadwood city limits on a mobile device or electronic platform, so long as the mobile device or electronic platform servers has servers located within Deadwood.

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to Senate Commerce and Energy on 1/19/2022.

SDSU/Board of Regents:

HB 1022: “Authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and renovation of, and construction of an addition to, the Stanley J. Marshall Center at South Dakota State University, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.”

What does that mean? Would authorize the BOR to begin contracts, designs, and renovations to the Stanley J. Marshall Center, which houses Athletic Dept. offices as well as Frost Arena. The renovations are estimated to cost $53 million.

Status as of 1/21/22: Scheduled for hearing by House Education on 1/24/2022.

What do student leaders think? Rasmussen said these upgrades are a great example of SDSU making positive changes to campus and “earning what we’re working for” through fundraising.

“The facility overall will be a little better experience for anyone,” Rasmussen said.

HB 1023: “authorize the Board of Regents to demolish a South Dakota State University building and to make an appropriation therefor.”

What does this mean? Would authorize the BOR to demolish the Wecota Annex connection to Wecota Hall and enclose the elevator and stairwell connections to Wecota Hall. Devotes an estimated $800,000 to demolish. Abatement of asbestos/hazardous materials, lawful disposal of materials, and other utility or restoration costs.

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to House of Committee of Appropriations on 1/19/2022.

What do student leaders think? Rassmussen said that, as the Wecota Annex would cost more to renovate than it would to take it down, this is a good example of SDSU being conscious of space on campus and how funds are being used.

HB 1024: “Revise and repeal certain provisions regarding self-support tuition rates at off-campus locations governed by the Board of Regents.”

What does that mean? Would remove “self-support” tuition rate reference and give the BOR flexibility in setting tuition rates in off-campus locations in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to House Education on 1/19/2022.

What do student leaders think? Brown said this bill would allow the BOR to change tuition rates through tuition restructuring that allows the BOR to be more competitive in the market in off-campus locations.

“I think that students should expect changes in how tuition is charged within the coming years in regard to online and in-person,” Brown said.

HB 1091: “Authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of a year-round rodeo practice facility on the campus of South Dakota State University, together with equipment and furnishings, to make an appropriation therefore, and to declare an emergency.”

What does that mean? Would allow the BOR to contract the design and construction of a year-round rodeo practice facility, boarding stable and feed storage shed for a total cost of up to $10 million.

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to House Education on 1/21/22.

What do student leaders think? Rasmussen aid this is another good example of SDSU working to earn what they need, as half of the funding for the facility comes from private fundraising.

Hot Topics:

SB 3: “Provide for the use and regulated sale of marijuana.”

What does that mean? Would alter criminal charges for possession and distribution of marijuana for those who are not approved registered medical marijuana cardholders.

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to Senate Commerce and Energy on 1/11/22.

 SB 6: “Revise provisions related to prohibited conduct by schools and landlords related to medical cannabis.”

What does that mean? States that a person with a valid registry identification card should not be refused enrollment by a school or a lease by a landlord based on their status as a cardholder. Would also allow a landlord to set reasonable restrictions on medical use of cannabis on the rental property.

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to Senate Commerce and Energy on 1/11/22.

SB 25: “Provide for the taxation of marijuana.”

What would that mean? Would introduce a 15% tax at all marijuana dispensaries. 

Status as of 1/21/22: Referred to Senate Taxation on 1/11/22.

Additional information on each of these bills and a full list of all 2022 bills can be found at www.sdlegislature.gov.