From the desk of Jessica Bahmuller

We have completed our 2nd week of the 100th legislative session. Things are picking up in the second week. There are almost 200 bills introduced already. IserveontheCommerce and Energy committee and the State Affairs committee. State Affairs typically covers the hot topic state issues and Commerce and Energy covers a wide variety of issues related to all business happenings, licensing, insurance, utilities, alcohol, tobacco, gaming and muchmore.Ibelievethebigger issues we will be facing this session are education savings accounts, eminent domain reform, a potential new prison, statelibraryfundingandSouth Dakota Public broadcasting funding. HB 1052 an act to prohibit theexerciseofeminentdomain for a pipeline that carries carbon oxide passed in State Affairs 10-3. The bill will move to the House. I supported the bill. This has been the biggest issue in the legislature while I haveservedyou.ReferredLaw failed in every county I represent. HB 1022 an act to prohibit themisbrandingofanycellcultured proteinproductpassedin the House. I supported the bill to protect livestock producers and their consumers. I had the honor to sponsor several high schoolers to serve as pages: Kendra Endorf, Brooke Endorf and my son, Brayden Bahmuller. We should all be proud of their service to South Dakota they have represented us well. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to be a part of the legislative process and developabetterunderstanding ofgovernment.Bythetimeyou are reading South Dakota may haveanewGovernor.Icongratulate GovernorKristiNoemon her new position and wish her well. This should be a smooth and quick transition. Once Governor Noem is approved by the Senate she will resign as Governor and Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will automatically become our next Governor. I would like to thank the Bon Homme County 4-Hers, Freeman Academy High School, FFA District Officers, thehomeschoolstudents and many constituents who visited the capitol and reached outregardingbills.Likealways visiting with you is always the best part of my week. When reaching out via emailplease include our District or your hometown we received many emails and I want to know I am working for my people. It is an absolute honor to serve you.