Senator Vilhauer Highlights Rural Healthcare Progress and Constitutional Questions in Week 2 Update

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As the pace of the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session quickens, State Senator Glen Vilhauer (District 5) reports a week defined by significant moves in rural healthcare funding, consumer protection measures regarding hemp products, and a rare constitutional dispute regarding tie votes in the Senate.

In his update for the second week of the Session, Vilhauer noted that the legislative “pipeline” is filling rapidly with agency bills—proposals brought by state departments to improve government operations. However, the week was also marked by a unique legal challenge on the Senate floor.

Constitutional Questions Arise Over Senate Ties 

With one state senator absent due to health issues, the 35-member Senate is currently operating with 34 active members, creating the potential for tie votes. Vilhauer reported that a recent measure resulted in a 17-17 split. While Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen cast a tie-breaking vote to pass the legislation, the move was challenged from the floor.

“The challenge was [sustained] by a vote of the Senate body, meaning the bill failed to pass,” Vilhauer explained. “This could be an issue a number of times in the upcoming weeks. At some point, our SD Supreme Court may need to render an opinion on this.”

Major Steps for Rural Healthcare 

On the appropriations front, Vilhauer highlighted the Joint Committee on Appropriations’ advancement of HB 1044. The bill is a crucial step in securing South Dakota’s portion of a minimum $500 million allocation for rural healthcare, stemming from primary legislation passed last year.

“This truly has the potential to revolutionize health care in this state in the coming years,” Vilhauer stated.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Appropriations, Vilhauer acknowledged the challenges posed by the current fiscal landscape. “It is frustrating not to have the dollars available to appropriate for some requests due to the tight budget we are looking at,” he noted, signaling that budget discussions will remain intense in the coming weeks.

Consumer Protection and Veteran Support 

Vilhauer also detailed his involvement in SB 45, a bill introduced by the Attorney General to prohibit the sale of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid products to those under age 21. Vilhauer, who had drafted a nearly identical bill, chose to withdraw his own legislation to throw his support behind the Attorney General’s version, which he described as “a bit stronger.”

Additionally, Vilhauer noted his support for several other successful measures:

·        SB 12: Expands the property tax refund window for qualified veterans and surviving spouses.

·        SB 46: Enhances transparency by expanding requirements for public meeting agendas.

·        SB 24: Authorizes the issuance of solid black license plates for South Dakota vehicles.

Local Pride 

Closing his weekly report, the Senator expressed gratitude for the reputation his district holds in the Capitol.

“It warms my heart when I hear of the high regard in which Watertown and Codington County are held in many circles,” Vilhauer said. “This speaks loudly of the dedication and service put forth by so many from this area.”