PIERRE, S.D. (Todd Epp, SDBA, Brad Jurgensen) — The South Dakota Legislature convenes for the 100th time at noon Tuesday in Pierre. Along with being a century old, the 2025 session will also be historic for other reasons.
Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden will likely assume the governorship during the session if the U.S. Senate confirms Gov. Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem’s confirmation hearing has been scheduled for January 15th.
Also, the legislature will have one of the largest Republican majorities since the 1950s. Populist Republicans unseated most institutionalist Republicans in June’s primary, with many new faces now in leadership positions. Issues include a tight state budget with several proposed budget cuts.
Legislators will again consider landowner rights in light of proposed carbon sequestration pipelines. Also, public funding for private education is on the agenda and looks to be a contested issue. Social issues such as displaying the 10 Commandments in public buildings also look to be an issue
Governor Noem presents what will likely be her last State of the State Address on Tuesday at 1p (Central)
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