Statehouse legislative leaders say after a slow week of formalities, lawmakers should expect a lot more activity in the coming weeks of session.
From more discussion on IM 22, to an animal research facility, to a committee looking at a legislator's admitted sexual misconduct, Representatives and Senators know they won't have much down time.
During end of the week press conferences, several lawmakers say they're expecting an influx of bills over the next two weeks.
They say the relative slow start is meant to teach newcomers the workings of the state legislature.
House Democratic Majority Leader Spencer Hawley says he expects a lot of legislation aimed at initiated measure 22, the voter approved campaign finance and lobbying reforms package.
“I think that next week we are going to be getting a lot of discussion on that. There are some bills that have been dropped, from my understanding, on the repeal side, there’s several other bills on fixes. So, I think we’ll probably start really getting into working on that issue, is what I see so far."
Initiated Measure 22 is currently enjoined in the courts. The effects of the measure are on hold until a court decision is made.
One Republican Legislator says it’s unfortunate so much energy is given to IM 22 right now.
Senate President Pro Temp Brock Greenfield says along with Governor Dennis Daugaard, he wants to upgrade the SDSU Animal Disease Research and Diagnostics Facility…
“It has a very broad reach in terms of what it will do for South Dakota. I think it has profound potential, anyways, to bring additional research here, additional dollars, and additional employment opportunities here. And I think it could set us up really well at SDSU, moving forward.”
On Tuesday, House lawmakers plan to form a committee to look into Representative Mathew Wollmann’s sexual relations with two interns in 2015 and 2016.