The final day of the 95th session of the South Dakota Legislature is one for the record books. The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things – for all of us. Even “Veto Day” traditions were not immune. Normally, the last day is reserved to re-consider legislation vetoed by the governor and handle final details to wrap things up.

The current pandemic made Veto Day very different this year. “Social distancing,” a term we have all added to our vocabulary, was the first big difference. Only legislative leaders and a handful of other legislators were in Pierre. The rest of us participated via technology. I put on shirt, tie, jacket and name badge, like I would normally do, but spent the day in front of my legislative computer, with the kitchen table as a desk. It was a bit odd. Fortunately, because we had converted this year to an all-digital process, and had several practice sessions in anticipation that we may have to do it this way, it worked remarkably well. We could debate, discuss, view bills and amendments, and vote in much the same way as if we were all in the same place.

Another change was that the governor (and a few legislators) brought multiple new bills related in some way to the pandemic, for consideration. Legislation that passed included:

HB1295 – added COVID-19 to the list of communicable diseases that allow authorities to enforce restrictions on individuals

HB1298 – postponed any local elections normally held in April and May and moves them to “any Tuesday in June.”

HB1296 – allowed the emergency powers of the governor to include temporary suspension of agency rules and gives authority, by emergency executive order, for the governor to suspend provisions of local subdivision statutes (city, county, township . .).

SB187 – made changes to our unemployment statutes to protect both business and workers from unintended consequences of the pandemic.

SB190 – provided a “grace period” for driver license renewal during, and for 90 days following the COVID-19 emergency.

SB188 – allows the Secretary of Education to waive the required instructional hours during the emergency.

SB189 – temporarily waived various school accountability statutes.

SB192 – created a state fund to assist small business with small, no interest loans

SB193 – made changes to FY20 budget to provide for anticipated federal funds.

All these bills and a couple that failed to pass added hours to the day. The “day” started with a Caucus meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and finished with the vote to adjourn “Sine Die” at 3:40 a.m. on Tuesday. While I am grateful to be able to serve, 19-hour workdays are not for the faint of heart!

As we did our work, every vote showing him “excused,”was a somber reminder that Bob Glanzer, a legislator from Huron who is infected with COVID-19, lay in an ICU unit in Sioux Falls – fighting for life. My prayers are with Bob and his family and with your family too. None of us is immune. Fortunately, I know Bob’s faith. Live or die, he will be fine. May this crisis draw all of us closer to God, the source of all life – here and forever.

In service to God and you,

John Mills, Representative, District 4

John.Mills@sdlegislature.gov.