I had a nice note from a legislator last night who I had reached out to on House Bill 1239, Bethany Soye’s lock up the librarians bill which unfortunately and embarrassingly passed the House of Representatives to subject librarians, teachers, museum workers, etc, to up to a year in jail if a minor checked out something that someone believes is objectionable.

The legislator who dropped me a kind note offered that “I voted no.  Was hoping we would defeat the bill so we did not have to add a prison pod for all of those librarians!“

That gave me a chuckle. But unfortunately, it’s not that far off the truth.  The bill is now moving over to the Senate as led by Carl Perry in Aberdeen who is priming the bill to move librarians from the book stacks in their local communities to join Andy Dufresne in the Shawshank prison library as this legislative session’s attack on education continues.

Along those lines, it’s a good reminder to start working the phones to communicate to your state Senators to stop the march of trying to shut down libraries in South Dakota, because no one is going to want to work at them. As one legislator in the House related – all my librarians in my District called me and told me they’re quitting if this passes.

The South Dakota Library Association had a note on Facebook yesterday which I wanted to share to assist you in registering your complaints with your Senators:

Otherwise, you can reach the State Senate message line at 605-773-3821.

You can find your Senators with this tool, and once you know, send them a message and tell them not to criminalize librarians for checking out books, and to vote NO on House Bill 1239.

Attorney General Jackley Releases 2024 Crime in South Dakota Report

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the overall number of reported criminal offenses reported statewide in 2024 increased 1.21 percent compared to 2023.

The Crime in South Dakota 2024 Report indicated that the number of reported criminal offenses was 67,959 in 2024 compared to 67,145 in 2023.

“Last year’s crime statistics demonstrated overall that South Dakota is a safe place to live and raise a family,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Law enforcement will continue to focus on violent crime and addiction. I appreciate our dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the state.”

The more serious crimes, known as Group A and which include such offenses as homicides, sex offenses, and aggravated assaults, totaled 47,070 offenses in 2024, compared to 45,905 in 2023, a 2.53 percent increase. The number of less serious offenses, known as Group B and which include such crimes as DUI and disorderly conduct, totaled 20,888 in 2024, compared to 21,240 in 2023, a 1.65 percent decrease.

Other category numbers indicate:

*** 31 homicides reported in 2024, up from 18 in 2023.

*** DUI arrests were at 5,493 in 2024, up from 5,412 in 2023.

*** Total drug offenses increased to 6,751 compared to 6,315 in 2023.

*** Burglaries were at 1,777 in 2024, compared to 1,823 in 2023.

*** Juvenile arrests were at 3,776 compared to 3,994 in 2023.

*** Drug offenses involving methamphetamine were at 3,133 in 2024, compared to 3,018 in 2023.

*** Fentanyl offenses are included in the “Other Narcotics” category. There were 397 such other narcotics offenses reported in 2024, compared to 237 in 2023.

In 2024, Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a suspect’s vehicle during a police chase and died at the scene. There were 486 South Dakota law enforcement officers killed or assaulted in 2024, compared to 449 assaulted in 2023. No officers were killed in the line of duty in 2023.

The crime report is compiled by the Attorney General’s Criminal Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) and is the most accurate and comprehensive compilation of South Dakota criminal statistics as it reflects the actual arrest and reporting information by South Dakota law enforcement. Criminal statistics help identify trends in criminal activity that assists in crime prevention and enforcement efforts across South Dakota.

This year’s Crime in South Dakota Report can found here.

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In the final moments of House Education today after the regular business, State Representative Phil Jensen tried to pull a fast one, and calendar House Bill 1177, which had previously been deferred to the 41st day.  Why, you might ask? Because he was trying to bring back a modified version of his measure, House Bill 1193, which had been killed earlier this week was being hoghoused on to 1177.

Phil’s attempt to calendar 1177 was quickly killed in committee, and Phil failed. But it brings up a point on the controversial Representative’s legislation this session.  EVERYTHING that Representative Jensen has introduced this session has been killed.:

Bill	Subject	Status
HB 1105	require the display of the state seal or motto in public school classrooms.	Killed on the House Floor 30-38
HB 1193	prohibit the Board of Regents and institutions under its control from requiring students to reside in on-campus housing or purchase meal plans.	Killed on the House Floor 28-42
HB 1197	permit a teacher to assist a student in objectively reviewing scientific information.	Killed in House Committee 9-6
HB 1199	repeal a provision requiring the sale of property acquired by a tax deed.	Killed in House Committee 12-1
HB 1224	defund the Huron School District.	Withdrawn after universal public outrage
HB 1269	authorize display of certain flags on public property.	Withdrawn

Just for the sake of checking, I went back to last year as well.  Same thing. All of his House bills failed or were withdrawn.

It makes me wonder. In past campaigns, Phil has been grinded on for a number of things.  But has anyone ever gone after the fact he comes with a personal agenda and just can’t get anything done?

After watching this legislative session, I’m a bit downtrodden when it comes to wondering whether voters even care much anymore.  But who knows. Maybe this next election they will surprise us all and show some interest in what their legislators are proposing in Pierre.

We can hope.

South Dakota Democrats filed their February FEC report yesterday, detailing what was raised and spent in January in their federal account:

Feb2025 Sddp Fec by Pat Powers on Scribd

Starting the month with $83,458.94 in the bank, they added $29,107.31 to their coffers, and spent $34,153,51. Leaving them with $78,412.74 in the bank.

Nothing terribly unusual in terms of donors, except compared to South Dakota Republican FEC Reports, they have them.   Hang tight for the GOP Report when it hits the FEC filing database.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider as Secretary of Veteran Affairs

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider will serve as the new Secretary of Veteran Affairs. He will assume this new position on March 6, 2025. You can find a photo of Senior Chief Schneider here.

“Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider is a hard-working professional with strong leadership skills,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He has served his country wholeheartedly for many years, and I am confident that he will work diligently with me to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”

Senior Chief Schneider was born and raised in Wentworth, South Dakota. In May 1995, he enlisted in the United States Navy, turning down a baseball scholarship in favor of serving his country. Senior Chief Schneider currently serves as the Deputy Senior Enlisted Leader for Expeditionary Medical Facility Camp Pendleton and the CEO of Bethel Lutheran Home.

“I want to thank Governor Larry Rhoden for the honor of nominating me as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider. “I will approach this position with the same determination, vigor, and love of country that I have in my naval and civilian careers. I have been and will continue to be an Advocate for the State of South Dakota, our Governor, and our Veterans.”

Senior Chief Schneider’s personnel awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He is also Seabee Combat Warfare qualified.

Senior Chief Schneider is married with four children and currently resides in Southeastern South Dakota.

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When in Pierre today, Dusty Johnson told a Pierre Radio station that there’s a possibility he could run for Governor in 2026, according to Huron Radio:

“I expect to. Nobody knows the future for sure. One of the difficult things about being in the House is that you are up for election every two years regardless. So, yeah. I’m doing the things you need to do to go out and make sure that the voters understand that I work hard whether I run for another term in the House or whether I run for Governor. In general, they think I’m doing a pretty good job, I’m going to keep working hard.

I feel like if I take care of my day job, the politics will take care of itself down the road.”

Listen to Dusty say that here.

Draft Explanation Released For Constitutional Amendment Submitted by Sioux Falls Man

PIERRE, S.D. – An explanation for a draft constitutional amendment, proposed by Rick Weiland of Sioux Falls, that would require legislative changes to initiatives and referendum procedures to be approved by a vote of the people, has been submitted for public review by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to help assist the voters.

This proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to pass legislation that changes or repeals laws affecting initiative and referendum procedures. The legislation does not become effective unless approved by the voters and the next general election.

The ballot explanation can be found here.

State law requires the Attorney General draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General’s explanation is meant to be an “objective, clear, and simple summary” intended to “educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed” measure, as well as identify the “legal consequences” of each measure.

Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed Feb. 20, 2025 (Thursday) and the deadline for comments on this explanation is Sunday, March 2 at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on Wednesday, March 12.

Current law requires 35,017 valid petition signatures for the measure to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot. 

To file written comments on a draft Attorney General’s explanation please use one of the following methods below. Copies of all received comments will be posted on this website. https://atg.sd.gov/Legal/ballotexplanations.aspx#gsc.tab=0

Comments may be submitted via mail, or through hand delivery, to the Attorney General’s Office at:

Office of the Attorney General
Ballot Comment
1302 E. Hwy. 14, Suite 1
Pierre, SD 57501

Comments that are hand delivered must be received by the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota, by Friday, February 28.

Comments may also be emailed to ATGballotcomments@state.sd.us by Sunday, March 2.  Comments should be clearly expressed in the body of the email. The Attorney General’s Office will not open attachments to prevent malware or other digital threats. Please include your name and contact information when submitting your comment. The title of the comment must be included in the subject line of the email.

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Attorney General’s Office Releases Explanation for Draft Constitutional Amendment Proposed by Sioux Falls Man

PIERRE, S.D. – An explanation for a draft constitutional amendment, proposed by Rick Weiland of Sioux Falls, that would require legislative changes for voter-approved initiated measures for seven years after approval to be approved by a three-fourths vote of the Legislature and also require approval of the voters, has been submitted for public review by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to help assist the voters.

This proposed constitutional amendment would restrict the Legislature’s ability to change or repeal voter-approved measures seven years after the measure takes effect. During that seven-year period, the Legislature can still approve legislation that would either change or repeal laws approve by initiated measure, but such action would have to be passed by three-fourths of all members in each legislative chamber and also be approved by voters at the next general election.

The ballot explanation can be found here.

State law requires the Attorney General draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General’s explanation is meant to be an “objective, clear, and simple summary” intended to “educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed” measure, as well as identify the “legal consequences” of each measure.

Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed Feb. 20, 2025 (Thursday) and the deadline for comments on this explanation is Sunday, March 2 at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on Wednesday, March 12.

Current law requires 35,017 valid petition signatures for the measure to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot. 

To file written comments on a draft Attorney General’s explanation please use one of the following methods below. Copies of all received comments will be posted on this website. https://atg.sd.gov/Legal/ballotexplanations.aspx#gsc.tab=0

Comments may be submitted via mail, or through hand delivery, to the Attorney General’s Office at:

Office of the Attorney General
Ballot Comment
1302 E. Hwy. 14, Suite 1
Pierre, SD 57501

Comments that are hand delivered must be received by the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota, by Friday, February 28.

Comments may also be emailed to ATGballotcomments@state.sd.us by Sunday, March 2.  Comments should be clearly expressed in the body of the email. The Attorney General’s Office will not open attachments in an effort to prevent malware or other digital threats. Please include your name and contact information when submitting your comment. The title of the comment must be included in the subject line of the email.

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Thune Statement on Senator Mitch McConnell

 “Senator McConnell’s legacy is one of remarkable service to the Senate, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and our nation.”

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement:

 “Senator McConnell’s legacy is one of remarkable service to the Senate, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and our nation,” said Thune. “Over decades of tireless work, his mastery of Senate procedure, commitment to the institution, and dedication to the rule of law have shaped the course of American governance for generations to come. His leadership has strengthened the Senate’s role as a deliberative body and delivered historic achievements, from advancing the judiciary to championing Kentucky’s interests. Senator McConnell’s contributions will remain a lasting reflection of his steady vision, determination, and service to the country he loves.”

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Had a reader send this to me, as they believe this is where Bethany Soye got her inspiration for HB 1239, her librarian lock-up bill that proposes to send librarians, teachers, and museum workers to jail because someone doesn’t like a book that has been checked out:

Remember the vote is this afternoon on this ridiculousness – call your legislators .