Legislative Update with Jay Kruse

​Jay is reporting live from the South Dakota State Capitol this morning as he attends a hearing on
HB 1289 that could affect lienholder rights. 

Happy Wednesday!

I am live in Pierre this morning for legislative day 24 as things are starting to heat up. Crossover Day, which is the final day to pass bills or resolutions by their house of origin, is just one week away. However, the next week only includes three legislative days: tomorrow, and next Tuesday and Wednesday following the Presidents’ Day holiday. A total of 573 bills and resolutions were introduced this year, which is the most in over a decade! While many of these have already received committee hearings, there is still a long list of bills that need to make their way through committee process before next Thursday. (You can review all the bills on our tracking list here: dakcu.org/bill-tracking.html.)

I’m in Pierre to sit in on HB 1289: An Act to update provisions regarding self-service storage, as it receives its first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. The bill aims to update and modernize SD’s current self-storage provisions. The original intention of the SD GAC was to oppose this bill due to the fact it would have eliminated prior lienholder rights and did not require the commercially reasonable sale of property by self-storage owners after taking possession of forgotten or abandoned property. However, Representative Thomason, prime sponsor of the bill, is introducing a friendly amendment this morning that addresses our concerns. I appreciate Rep. Thomason for working with us and allowing us to provide some input to help improve this legislation. (Photo: Jay with State Representatives Drew Dennert and Sam Marty.)

Un-Masking the CUNA GAC – D.C. Ends Vax/Mask Requirements!
Washington D.C. city officials announced Monday they are ending their vaccine verification requirement effective immediately. They have also indicated the indoor mask requirement will expire on February 28th, which will occur while we are in town for the GAC.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING AS YOU PREPARE TO TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON D.C.:

• You are no longer required to complete the Safe Expo verification process to access CUNA GAC.
• While the city-wide mask requirement is expected to expire, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center may continue to require masks. CUNA is seeking confirmation of their policy.
• Some restaurants, hotels and private businesses may require proof of vaccination. We recommend carrying a copy of your vaccination card with you or on your phone.

Additional details can be found on CUNA’s GAC Health & Safety page. We will continue to pass along any updates as they become available.
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As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any advocacy concerns.

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