Greetings from the Capitol.

Things are warming up heading into the fourth week of the 88th legislative session.

Last week was very busy in the Education Committee with the Sentinel bill being debated. This is a bill that would allow local school boards the option of using one of their staff as an armed "sentinel" for the students against possible violent attacks. This person would be trained through the local sheriff's office. There was passionate debate on both sides, and after two days the bill passed narrowly out of committee on a 8-7 vote. I voted for this bill because some school districts in our state do not have the ability to have a peace officer and may be a long way from help should a tragedy occur. Other school districts who do not want to participate in this program don't have to.

The Health and Human Services Committee had a midwife bill come before it this week. This bill would have allowed midwives to be trained in our state who are not required to have any post high school education or other medical training. We already allow nurses to do home deliveries in South Dakota. These nurses are RNs and work under the Board of Nursing. This bill was killed in the committee.
On the House floor, the Tourism Tax was changed from a temporary tax to permanent. I am never for raising taxes, but in this case, 76 percent of the tax is paid by out-of-state visitors who are using our facilities. I voted for this bill because of the significant out-of-state contribution. It is estimated that this bill would save each South Dakota family over 800 dollars each year.

I am introducing a bill that would allow retired doctors and dentists to volunteer their services to charity without risk of malpractice. At this time a carpenter or plumber can volunteer to help the needy, but unless a physician carries malpractice insurance into his retirement, he cannot practice medicine without the threat of a malpractice suit. This bill would allow people to sign a waiver that says they won't sue and the doctor or dentist can then volunteer to treat them. This bill has strong support from both the Senate and House.

Thank you again for allowing me to represent you in Pierre. If you wish to contact me my E mail is repecklund@state.sd.us.