Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers plan to consider measures on municipal sales taxes, insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder therapy and athletics policy for transgender students. Here's a look at some of the proposals they'll take up this week in Pierre:
TAX
A measure to allow municipalities to collect up to an additional 1 percent sales tax for capital expenditures is expected to be heard in the House State Affairs Committee on Friday. House Majority Leader Brian Gosch said it would allow municipalities to raise significant revenue if passed.
Gosch said he wants to examine whether the hike is necessary before approving a tax increase.
AUTISM
The House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday is expected to take up a measure that would help ensure insurance coverage for a type of Autism Spectrum Disorder therapy called applied behavior analysis. A similar measure failed last session, and legislators instead opted to commission a study on the issue.
Rep. Scott Munsterman, who is pushing the plan in the House, has said the legislative climate this year and he supports amendments to expand the proposal.
TRANSPORTATION
The House State Affairs Committee could take up a proposal this week to raise revenue for road and bridge funding in South Dakota. The Senate approved its version of the plan, which is what the House will take up, Gosch said.
The House has already dispatched a separate version of the plan to focus on the Senate proposal. Gosch said he expects amendments to restrict the revenue raised in the measure, which will set up negotiations for what is likely the most serious issue lawmakers consider this session.
ATHLETICS POLICY ON TRANSGENDER STUDENTS
A proposal that would void a South Dakota High School Activities Association policy on transgender students is set to be considered in the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. The policy requires the association to review requests by transgender students or their guardians to decide on which team the student can participate.
Republican Rep. Jim Bolin, of Canton, is sponsoring the measure on the House side. He has said the policy changes the character of high school athletics.
The bill has passed through the House.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
