Week 5 Legislative Update
Don & Norman give a brief recap of week 4, and highlight 10 pieces of legislation, including:
Parental Rights: SB190 would give parental rights the same legal protection as we currently have for freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Only 11 states are missing these protections – South Dakota is one of them. Click here to email your Senator!
Adding clergy to the list of mandatory reporters: This legislation would have been a clear violation of the institutional separation of church and state (the proper separation, not the leftist campaign to keep morality out of the public square). The bill would have broken the seal of confession, and required pastors to turn families into the state if there was cause to suspect that the family is struggling. (Note: All citizens are already required to report serious crime)
“Do No Harm”: Doctors should never be forced to choose between their patient and their job. HB1153 would have added conscience protections into South Dakota law, and ensure that doctors are able to continue honoring their hippocratic oath to “do no harm.” Unfortunately, the bill was defeated on the House floor.
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 Representatives 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!
