Vilhauer Prepares for Legislative Session with Focus on Watertown Input and THC Regulation
- Steve Jurrens
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session prepares to convene next week, State Senator Glen Vilhauer visited the Watertown City Council tonight to update the public and council.
Vilhauer, a former Watertown councilman now representing District 5, addressed the chamber during the open forum to emphasize his commitment to local constituents over outside interests.
The “Phone” Misconception
Addressing a common criticism of state legislators, Vilhauer clarified why residents might see their representatives on mobile devices during floor debates.
“Don’t think that we’re not paying attention. It couldn’t be further from the truth,” Vilhauer said. “We’re probably communicating with someone back home that’s got a stake in the bill we’re debating. If you reach out to me, I’m going to pay special attention to your communication versus somebody from Buffalo or Hot Springs.”
Vilhauer noted that with an estimated 500 to 600 bills expected this session, legislators rely heavily on expert feedback and local voices rather than just professional lobbyists. He reported receiving approximately 2,000 emails during last year’s session and urged Watertown residents to keep his inbox full of regional perspectives.
New Legislation Target: THC Restrictions
In a similar announcement to the local community, Vilhauer revealed that he has drafted legislation to address hemp-derived THC products, modeled in comparison on the ordinance recently passed by the Watertown City Council.
“I’ve got a bill ready to drop... “It’s patterned very closely after what you folks did here in Watertown,” Vilhauer informed the council.
Vilhauer noted that South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is also examining similar issues. While Vilhauer expressed some uncertainty regarding how his bill might interact or conflict with potential legislation from the Attorney General’s office, he remained optimistic about the bill’s prospects, stating he does not expect it to be “too much of a battle.”
The 2026 legislative session officially kicks off on January 13.
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