Governor expected to veto gun bills; signs budget bills

The regular run of the South Dakota legislative session concluded on March 9. Legislators will gather in Pierre on March 26 and, if needed, consider possible action on any gubernatorial vetoes. This week, it appears that Gov. Daugaard will likely veto a pair of bills, HB 1156 and HB 1072, which loosened provisions for concealed carry of guns.

Earlier today Gov. Daugaard signed the budget bills for FY 2018 and FY 2019. The FY 2019 bill provides increases for state employees, education and Medicaid providers. Read the governor’s press release.

The Council on Public Policy will meet on April 6 to review and discuss the Association’s annual “State Legislative Summary” and fully assess the overall outcomes and final budget decisions from the session.

In addition, council members are working to update the “Federal Issues Brief” (FIB), which outlines legislative and regulatory priorities for the year. The annual State Legislative Summary and FIB documents will be available for distribution to members by mid-April.