State Rep. Mike Derby gives a preview of what to expect this week in Pierre.
RAPID CITY, S.D. - The South Dakota Legislature returned for its 100th session this last week, marking a historic moment for the state. NewsCenter1 was able to sit down with State Rep. Mike Derby (R) of District 34 while he was visiting Rapid City this weekend. There was a higher than usual turnover of legislators during this last election, so there’s a lot of learning to be done. State Rep. Derby shared his advice for first-time lawmakers.
“I think one of the things I always say is, you know, take your time, don’t rush into anything,” said Derby, “I know a lot of them are learning how to draft bills and put forth bills. It becomes somewhat cumbersome and hard to bounce around the capitol trying to get your bills passed, so sit back, learn the process, take your time.”
This session is also significant with the potential transitions in power as Governor Noem is expected to leaving office to be the Secretary of Homeland Security. Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden would then be expected to take over as governor mid-session. State Rep. Derby stated that this would lead to a vacancy in Rhoden’s replacement, who would need to be determined quickly and possibly be decided this week.
Mike Derby also serves as co-chair for the Joint Committee on Appropriations (JCA) which is the committee that sifts through Governor Noem’s proposed budget to then make adjustments that will be voted on by the end of the legislative session. In her proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, Governor Noem has recommended starting a $4 million education savings account, a $2.4 million cut from the state library, and a $3.6 million reduction in general funds that would go to South Dakota Public Broadcasting, all of which will be hot topics for the JCA this week.
“Keep in mind, the Governor’s Budget is just a suggestion,” Derby continued, “we have heard loud and clear from people all over the state how they feel about South Dakota Public Broadcasting. We’re going to take that all into consideration.”
Also this week will be a memorial service for state legislators who have passed over the last year. Family members will be invited to the chamber hall where attendees will reflect on the accomplishments of those passed. There will also be a ceremony where roses on one side of the chamber will be transferred over to the other side to symbolize crossing the bar. The joint memorial service will be held on Thursday at 3pm.
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