All,
It appears that the well funded and connected opposition lobby has decided to go all in early to kill this bill. The department staff that appeared to be neutral was directed by the executive in the process (Gov. Rhoden), to work to kill it. When senior staff was asked why, they said the Governor cited “Government Regulations and Freedoms” as his reasoning.
Our lead lobbyist (George), was getting the latest from Rep. DeGroot and senior department staff met with Rep. DeGroot immediately after on the floor to deliver the message.
With the message that even if the bill passes out of committee (very likely), through the House and Senate process, it would be vetoed. With all that more than implied, Rep. DeGroot is now weighing what to do.
George has done a fantastic job as have all the people making direct contact with their legislators and Committee members. We believe we had 5 very strong and confirmed Yeas and only 1 firm NO — with many open and undecided committee members.
We still hope that Rep. DeGroot will at least allow it to enter the committee to be heard. But with a strong message of a Veto even if it goes all the way through, he may decide to pull it and come back with it next year.
It’s unfortunate that commercial interests seem to have so much more sway than our citizen sportsmen and sportswomen, but that’s the state of things at this time. South Dakota will remain one of only three states that does not provide protections for those using guide services. Unfortunately so called “guides” will continue to be allowed to profit off of the public’s wild resources without any requirement to contribute for that privilege.
Dana R. Rogers
Director, South Dakota Wildlife Federation
605-415-8443
dana@sdwf.org