SDRTL’s Exec. Dir. Dale Bartscher served once again as our Lobbyist for Life and he was excited to introduce our new Associate Director Jenn Lee to the Legislative Process during three of the 9-week Session.
During this Session we also mentored FOUR quality High School Student Interns: Joshua Curtiss, Ever Peters, Elijah Dawson, and Josiah Udager.
Most of all we assisted in the PASSAGE of THREE pieces of Pro-Life Legislation. These were:
HCR 6008: A House Concurrent Resolution opposing an initiated measure to place the right to an abortion in the Constitution of South Dakota.
Passed: House and Senate on a total vote of – 92 to 10.
Prime Sponsors: Representative Gary Cammack, Senator Sydney Davis
HB 1224: An Act to require the creation of an informational video and other materials describing the state’s abortion law and medical care for a pregnant woman experiencing life-threatening or health-threatening medical conditions.
Passed: House and Senate on a total vote of: 94 to 9.
Prime Sponsors: Representative Taylor Rehfeldt, Senator Erin Tobin
HB 1244: An Act to provide a process to withdraw a signature from a petition for an initiated measure, constitutional amendment, or a referendum on a law in certain situations and to declare an emergency.
Passed: House and Senate on a total vote of: 88 to 15.
Prime Sponsors: Representative Jon Hansen, Senator Al Novstrup
We also assisted in the DEFEAT of an Anti-Life Bill:
SB 210: An Act to establish an individual’s right to make autonomous decisions about the individual’s reproductive health care, and to repeal provisions related to abortion.
Defeated: Senate Judiciary Committee on a vote of: 7 to 0.
Prime Sponsors: Senator Reynold Nesiba, Representative Linda Duba
WHAT’S NEXT: Our South Dakota D Pro-Life Legislative Summit Team will begin meeting as we plan for the 100th SD Legislative Session. Never a dull moment!