Week 7 brought us to crossover day, the final day for House bills to be heard on the House floor before moving to the Senate. In the days leading up to Tuesday, committees worked extended hours to make sure every remaining bill received a hearing. Crossover is also the one day each year when legislators traditionally wear black. It is the only day I trade in my yellow jacket for an all-black outfit.
The House moved efficiently and completed its work in record time. At moments like that, I am reminded that showing up and doing the work matters. I am proud to say I have never missed a floor vote. Emergencies and illness happen, and that is understandable. But I will never walk away from a hard vote simply to avoid being on the record. Our constituents deserve accountability.
One of the most meaningful highlights of the week was Disability Awareness Day in the Capitol rotunda. Organizations including Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, Black Hills Works, The A Team, and Lifescape joined with leadership from the Department of Disabilities to fill the building with energy and joy. I left with handwritten letters from constituents and a signed book sharing personal stories. The A Team members wear yellow, so we always make sure to get a photo together since we match.
What Moved Forward
Although House Bill 1204 was ultimately tabled in Senate Appropriations, I am proud of the conversation it sparked. As outlined in my committee testimony , the bill would have created a revolving zero percent loan fund to help school districts finance up to 40 percent of construction projects. Instead of relying solely on bonds that increase local property taxes through interest payments, districts could reduce long-term costs through a structured, accountable financing tool.
This was not a grant and not a new tax. It was smarter financing designed to reduce pressure on property taxpayers while maintaining local control. Senator Howard made a due pass motion, which I deeply appreciated. While that motion failed and the final vote to table was 11 to 6, the strong support from schools and community members makes it clear this idea will return.
The Democratic property tax proposal, House Bill 1281, also did not advance. However, Representative Czmowski’s House Bill 1308 was going to include an amendment to reduce the grocery tax to 0 percent. When that amendment failed, we could not support increasing a regressive sales tax without first lowering the tax on food. As of now, Governor Larry Rhoden’s proposal for an optional half percent county sales tax appears to be the path moving forward, though it still does not address the reality that renters also shoulder property taxes through their rent payments.
On a more uplifting note, I was honored to carry Senate Concurrent Resolution 605 on the House side. As described in my floor remarks , the resolution encourages voluntary, cooperative conservation efforts to support the monarch butterfly while respecting private property and agricultural operations. It recognizes that South Dakota producers are already engaged in practical stewardship. SCR 605 passed with strong support and reflects a balanced approach to conservation.
What Raised Concerns
Crossover week also brought several party-line votes. House Bill 1184 advanced despite serious concerns that it will create fear and confusion for some families, expand government involvement in personal decisions, and expose the state to costly litigation.
Also concerning is Senate Bill 30, which allows individuals to challenge another person’s voter registration up to 90 days before an election. Policies like this risk disproportionately affecting communities and citizens of color and could undermine confidence in our elections. I strongly encourage everyone to double-check their voter registration well before deadlines.
What’s Coming Next
Two of my bills now head to the Senate. House Bill 1299 would allow small lodging establishments, under 15 rooms, to use regulated biologically filtered pool systems. These systems are engineered, inspected, and monitored for water quality outcomes, offering innovation while maintaining safety standards.
House Bill 1300 creates a narrow exception to certain clemency notice requirements for verified survivors of human trafficking or domestic abuse, allowing them to avoid publishing identifying information that could jeopardize their safety.
Finally, House Bill 1101, the Living Donor Protection Act, is headed to the Governor’s desk. With only one no vote out of 105 legislators, I am hopeful it will be signed. We are planning to have the organ donation advocates who courageously shared their stories present for the signing.
How Constituents Can Engage
A sincere thank you to everyone, and especially to Ranee Haglund, for helping gather petition signatures as I seek a second term. If re-elected, I would be the first Democrat in 30 years to serve more than one term in District 32, though district lines have shifted over time.
Please continue to email your legislators, follow bills closely, and stay engaged. Democracy is a team effort. I remain committed to showing up, casting every vote, and keeping District 32 informed every step of the way.
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