Happy New Year!
No, there was not any ball dropping on Times Square in New York City, or any parties going on the evening of June 30, but it was our state’s new year’s eve. What am I talking about? Great question! Our state government, (you know, the one that has 14,014 state employees), operates its year July 1st through June 30th. To further confuse we serfs, the federal government, (you know, the one that is $22 trillion in debt), operates their year October 1st through September 30th.
We bill-payers, via taxes, have a normal calendar year of January 1st through December 31st. There is no reason our state and federal government couldn’t do the same. I still believe they use these different dates to create a shell game, or in other words, to confuse the bill-payers. But I digress!
What’s new starting July 1st in South Dakota?
*Constitutional Carry
This was Governor Kristi Noem’s first bill that she signed into law. What it does is eliminate the need to get a concealed carry permit from the state. You can place a handgun in your glove box, your purse, or inside your jacket and you are totally legal in South Dakota. It was already legal to open carry a firearm in SD, as long as the person could legally possess a firearm.
South Dakota residents will also be able to carry a concealed handgun into our state capitol if they have obtained an Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit, and notify the Highway Patrol at least 24 hours ahead of time. Firearms will still be prohibited from the State Supreme Court Chamber at the capitol however. An Enhanced Concealed Carry permit is on my bucket list to get done.
*“In God We Trust”
Every public school is required to display, “In God We Trust” in a prominent location. The display needs to be easily readable, with a size of at least 12 inches by 12 inches.
*Vaping Ban
Electronic smoking devices will be prohibited in the same manner as cigarettes in public areas and work places.
*Abortion
Women seeking an abortion, (yep, it’s still legal in SD), will be offered the ability to listen to the fetus’ heartbeat prior to the abortion.
*Drones
Drone aircraft will be legal to spot predators or varmints on private land, except during the months of September, October, and November.
*Labels
You can no longer label a non-meat product as meat. We passed this law as labels read “meat” and it was vegan food. Seriously! I’m not making this up!
*Lemonade Sales
Anyone younger than 18 can have a lemonade stand, and not pay sales tax, as long as they earn less than $1000 from the sales.
*Program Name Changes
The state’s Unemployment Insurance Program will be renamed the Re-employment Assistance Program. The change is intended to reflect the program’s effort to help residents find new employment, and doesn’t change how the program is administered. Yes, we passed a law saying this. Reminds me of the cliché, “I’m from the government, and am here to help you!” With more jobs than employees, is there really a need to have an unemployment office? Once a government service is no longer needed, wouldn’t it be great if we could just close it down, and save the taxpayers money? I have no idea how many state employees work at our unemployment offices, but I will find out.
*Home School Students
Now need the same ACT score of 24, required by public and private school students. Previously, home school students needed an ACT score of 28.
*Sped up licensing in South Dakota for military spouses once transferred here. This bill fast-tracks licensing processes so that they can get back into employment.
*Bait
Bluegills, more specifically Sunfish, can be used as bait like minnows. I can’t remember how this came to be, but it had something to do with smelt that went through the turbines at Fort Pierre.
*Birth and Death Certificates
Starting July 1st, you have one year to report a birth, and 30 days to report a death in your family. *Births – it officially reads, “Any person required to prepare and file a birth certificate pursuant to this section, who fails to do so within one year of the birth, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.” *Deaths – “Any person in charge of a body, who fails to notify the county coroner and sheriff of the death within 30 days following the death is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.”
This bill is targeting our district regarding the FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints) compound located 15 miles southwest of Pringle. This cult hasn’t issued a birth or death certificate since its inception in 2005. So, at least there is a law with a penalty for not complying; not a huge penalty, but at least a start.
Yours truly, along with our Senator Lance Russel, were prime sponsors of this bill. Rep. Julie Frye-Mueller gave great committee testimony as well. I also want to thank the other sponsors: Representatives Beal, Brunner, Duba, Livermont, Marty, Zikmund, and Senators DiSanto and Nelson. This bill passed the House of Representatives 63-1, and the Senate 33-0. It was signed into law by Gov. Noem.
To the citizens of District 30 and to the men and women in uniform, in honor of all who served, in respectful memory of all who fell, and in great appreciation to those who serve today, Thank You, for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
Tim R. Goodwin, District 30 Representative
Facebook: Goodwin In The House
Very helpful and enlightening, Tim, especially the reminder about the 3 new year’s dates at the beginning. I’ve forgotten, do most city governments have a standard such date?