LEGISLATIVE REPORT TO: SD Chapter of American Physical Therapy Association FROM: Tim Dougherty SUBJECT: 2020 Legislative Session DATE: Week Ending January 17, 2020 The first week of the 2020 South Dakota Legislative Session began on Tuesday, January 14, with the governor’s annual state-of-the-state address. Governor Noem touted the state’s favorable business climate and highlighted opportunities for economic expansion in tourism, cyber security and bioprocessing. Noem told legislators she will sign a bill authorizing the production of hemp if it contains certain requirements regarding licensing, reporting and inspections, minimum number of planted acres and fees. She also mentioned that state revenues have slightly increased since her budget address in December, and she wants to use the additional revenue to increase funding for K-12 schools, Medicaid providers and state employee salaries. There are 70 members of the house – 59 republicans and 11 democrats – including two new members recently appointed by the governor to fill vacancies. The speaker of the house is Representative Steve Haugaard (R-Renner). The house majority leader is Representative Lee Qualm (R-Platte), and the minority leader is Representative Jamie Smith (D-Sioux Falls) There are 35 members of the senate – 30 republicans and 5 democrats – including three new members recently appointed by the governor to fill vacancies. The president of the senate is Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden (R-Union Center). The president pro- tempore is Senator Brock Greenfield (R-Clark). The senate majority leader is Senator Kris Langer (R-Dell Rapids), and the minority leader is Senator Troy Heinert (D- Mission). The legislature is scheduled to meet for 37 days this session. During the 9 weeks of session, the legislature will meet 4 days each week (either Tuesday thru Friday or Monday thru Thursday). The last day of regular session is March 12. The legislature will then recess for two weeks and return to Pierre on March 30 to consider any vetoes. Below are key deadlines for legislative action on bills: Feb. 6 Last day for legislators to introduce bills and resolutions. Feb. 7 Last day for committees to introduce bills and resolutions. Feb. 27 Last day for bills and resolutions to pass the house of origin. Mar. 4 Last day for special appropriation bills to pass the house of origin. Mar. 9 Last day for bills and resolutions to pass both houses. Mar. 10- Reserved for concurrences and conference committees. Mar. 12 Mar. 29 Reserved for consideration of vetoes. During the first week of Session, 65 bills were introduced in the house and 53 bills were introduced in the senate. Most of these bills were pre-filed state agency bills and interim study committee bills. House and senate committee meetings scheduled for Friday morning were cancelled to enable legislators to leave Pierre before the approaching winter storm. The legislature will reconvene on next Tuesday. Below are bills introduced this week that may be of special interest to SDAPTA. Bill No. HB 1048 Sponsor Committee on Commerce and Energy at the request of the Office of the Governor Title Act to revise certain requirements for certain advisory committees under the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners, Board of Nursing, and Board of Social Work Examiners. Status Introduced in House Summary This bill requires the physical therapy advisory committee of the Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners to comply with the open meeting laws. 2 .