This morning in House State Affairs, the committee passed a resolution (HJR 5004) that proposes an amendment to the Constitution of SD to authorize the state to impose work requirements on able-bodied people who are eligible for expanded Medicaid. Medicaid expansion was passed by 56% of South Dakotans. The constitutional amendment stated that SD may not impose greater or additional burdens or restrictions on any person. This proposed constitutional amendment negates the wish of South Dakotans.

Today @govkristinoem vetoed my bill (HB 1223), a bill that allows pregnant minors to receive prenatal, delivery process, and postnatal care if their parents/guardians are unable to give consent or if they're withholding necessary pregnancy care. 🧵 (1/6) This bill was meant to protect minors from absent and abusive parents. It ensured babies can be born healthy and put the minor mother in touch with a caring adult (i.e. healthcare provider) sooner rather than later. (2/6)

My bill (HB 1220) to allow pregnant minors to receive prenatal, delivery process, or postnatal care was heard in committee last night. It failed on a 6-7 vote. 1/9 Currently in SD physicians may only give a minor any kind of prenatal care if delay would threaten a minor’s life or health or if parents/guardians give consent. This law makes it difficult for a pregnant minor who wants prenatal care to receive it. 2/9

My bill (HB 1132) adding dental hygienists to the list of mandatory reporters passed unanimously out of Senate Health & Human Services this morning! #sdleg 1/5 Mandatory reporting reinforces the obligation on every profession who works with minors to care for and protect all children from abuse and harm. 2/5