2020 SD Legislature: HB 1057 is one of most controversial topics

By: 
Rep. Steve Haugaard, District 10
PIERRE – Week two of our Legislative Session began Jan. 21, although we did have an Executive Board meeting the night before in order to discuss the replacement of the Director of our Legislative Research Council. Mr. Jason Hancock has served us very well for the past five years and is simply moving back to Idaho to be closer to his older family members who need more assistance. He has accepted a position as Idaho’s Assistant Secretary of State. We will be seeking a replacement as soon as possible.
The most controversial bill so far has been HB 1057. This bill prohibits elective surgeries, procedures or courses of treatment upon a minor which affects an individual’s sex, or at least that person’s perception of their sex. Rep. Fred Deutsch was the prime sponsor. I, along with many others signed on as a co-sponsor. It was heard before the State Affairs Committee and was passed to the House floor. The Bill is primarily focused on prohibiting surgery and use of hormones and hormone blocking agents to attempt to alter the person’s sexual appearance. The Bill was amended to apply only to individuals under 16 years of age. 
Scientific research indicates that the use of such chemical therapies alters the child’s natural bodily development. Studies also show that the vast majority of people who make such a choice will likely want to reverse that choice when they are in their 20s. Sadly, if the child chooses such a treatment, the child will forever miss that window of time and their opportunity for natural development of brain, body and emotions.
The bill is intended to protect children due to the lack of sufficient supporting research for such procedures.
In the first week of the Session we heard the presentations of the Governor, Chief Justice Gilbertson and one of the Tribal Chairmen, Lester Thompson. Following the Tribal Address several of the Legislators attended the Great Sioux Nation Tribal Address. That was a historic event, as it appears several tribes of the Great Sioux Nation have not previously met in such a joint session. There is growing cooperation between the state and the various tribal leaders. Hopefully, we will continue to work together to solve some of our shared problems.
Following the daily session this past Thursday we conducted the annual Memorial Service for those Legislators who died in the past year, several of whom were Legislators from the Sioux Falls area.  
Each year the Pierre Riggs High School Chamber Choir, under the masterful direction of Rodd Bauck, performs very moving and reverent selections which honor those we have lost. This year there were a total of 15 former Legislators honored. Many of the families were in attendance and expressed their deep appreciation for the ceremony. The families of those Legislators were also recognized for the great sacrifice they made to help their family member serve the State of South Dakota.  
Again, this year, I had the honor of providing the message for the Memorial Service. Last year it was an opportunity to express my personal appreciation for the service of Roger Hunt, a great friend to many in the Brandon area, and this year the memorial included another close personal friend of mine, Kermit Staggers.  You can listen to the service on the LRC website.  
On Friday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution of appreciation acknowledging the first-term legislative pages. Pages help the Legislators with a variety of tasks and are typically high school seniors who serve for two weeks of the Session. Their service to the Legislature is greatly appreciated and I encourage all of those who are coming up on their senior year to apply next year.  
Please listen to the proceedings live on South Dakota Public Broadcasting or go to the Legislative Research Council’s website to listen to the recorded committees and floor debate. That’s found at sdlegislature.gov/ 
As always, please feel free to contact me at steven.haugaard@sdlegislature.gov

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