Some Were Passed and Some Defeated: Week Eight Legislative Update

March has arrived and that means we are near the end of the 2018 South Dakota legislative session!

To our disappointment, House Bill (HB) 1204, the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, was defeated in the Senate Judiciary committee Tuesday morning by one vote. Thank you to all who took the time to share your voice and contact your legislators about supporting HB 1204.  More than 400 emails were sent to the Capitol by AARP SD advocates who felt the Uniform Power of Attorney Act was necessary to protect vulnerable seniors from financial exploitation. Unfortunately, the opponents of the bill, including Governor Daugaard’s office, didn’t agree.  However, we are confident this important issue will be addressed again by our South Dakota legislative leaders.

Also this week, with AARP South Dakota's support,  Senate Bill (SB) 62 passed through the House of Representatives and now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature.    As one of the last states in the country to implement a data breach notification provision, we appreciate the Attorney General’s leadership on this issue.

As the 2018 legislative session has progressed, legislators on the Appropriations Committee have an additional $18.8 million in funding for the upcoming year.  Next week is the last week of the 2018 legislative session and lawmakers will determine how to allocate this extra money.  AARP South Dakota will continue to urge our elected state government officials to prioritize funding for programs that support seniors in South Dakota.

Thank you again for your support and dedication throughout this 93rd South Dakota legislative session.  Be on the lookout for our final 2018 legislative wrap-up later this month!