Week 4 Legislative Update
Elsa, Don & Norman give a brief recap of week 4, and highlight 9 pieces of legislation, including:
Privacy Protections – Partial Repeal: Legislation was introduced to remove privacy protections for fireman, law enforcement officers, actors in theater, and musical performers. We were able to stop the legislation in committee, in part because of Elsa Bisschop! Elsa joined our team as an intern for a week at the Capitol, and was able to share her story with the committee, and explain how her privacy protections would be taken away when she is performing in the city theater. You can watch her testimony at the bottom of the page.
Criminal Penalties for Post-Abortive Women: The measure to add criminal penalties to post-abortive women was defeated in a House committee this week. The legislation would not have been helpful in the effort to save unborn children, and you can read our analysis of the issue here.
“Do No Harm”: Doctors should never be forced to choose between their patient and their job. HB1153 would add conscience protections into South Dakota law, and ensure that doctors are able to continue honoring their hippocratic oath to “do no harm.” CLICK HERE to contact your Representatives and ask for their support!
Sports Betting: SJR504 would add to the ballot the question of sports betting on mobile platforms in South Dakota. This form of betting is one of the fastest growing addictions in America, and would be a poor way to fund state government. CLICK HERE to contact your Senator and ask them to vote no!
App Store Age Verification: The legislation to ensure parental involvement in app store downloads will be heading to the first committee very soon. This legislation enforces a simple concept: kids cannot sign contracts. You can read more about the issue HERE, and CLICK HERE to contact your Representatives to ask for their support!
Midwives & Birth Centers: We were disappointed this week to see a House committee reject the legislation that would have enabled professional midwives to supervise birth centers. This bill would have helped solve South Dakota’s “maternity deserts” and give mothers more options, but it was voted down.
Watch Elsa Bisschop’s testimony before the House State Affairs Committee
