NEWELL-Saturday, January 31, saw local legislators and Newell citizens gathered in the Newell Community Hall to discover some of the legislation being discussed at Pierre during regular session. Some of the 25-30 citizens were ready with questions for Travis Ismay, District 28B Representative, Sam Marty, District 28 Senator, and Jana Hunt, District 28A Representative.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by Butte County Commissioner Tom Brunner, each legislator gave a bit of background on themselves and their endeavors at the legislative sessions.
Rep. Ismay assured the audience that he looks forward to answering any questions they have and was present to hear their comments and concerns.
Sen. Marty said at the present time, the Senate was on “the slow side” and was not involved with many bills.
Rep. Hunt explained that the house is not cohesive and is divided on several issues. She encouraged citizens to let representatives know what concerns them and let them know before a bill heads to the floor for debate and vote.
One of the top discussion matters is the importance of agriculture in the state. Rep. Hunt explained that one of her goals is to protect and promote agriculture. One of her concerns is the Brand Board. Rep. Ismay is also part of the Ag Committee and wants the Brand Board to cover the entire state. Presently, the Brand Board covers West River, making the discussion one of West River vs East River when it comes to regulations.
Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphere advised that cattle stealing and the presence of the Brand Board has been a problem for many years.
“It takes a lot of process to investigate,” he said.
The sheriff is the first call, law enforcement knows what’s going on and will handle the situation. However, many times the livestock can go to East River or be dumped on the reservation where law enforcement has no real jurisdiction.
“The rules leave when cattle go East River,” he concluded.
Another big battle in South Dakota and the entire nation is a push on “cell protein” or manufactured meat. According to Rep. Hunt, there are bills coming to stop “the attack on beef on the hoof”. She mentioned an interesting video on YouTube by Mr. Beef on Upside Foods that expounds on cell protein.
The manufactured meat must be labeled in South Dakota in grocery stores, but there’s no way of knowing if the “meat” is used at restaurants or fast food places.
Commissioner Brunner cautioned the audience to be vigilant and watch what the feds are doing.
The question of property taxes was asked and why the state is not doing more to keep taxes in line. Rep. Ismay explained that land taxes come from the county. The state has jurisdiction on how it’s collected, but it’s local control to use it.
At this time, the state wants a “cookie cutter” plan for taxes, but as Ismay said, “Don’t let the state fix it.” It’s important to elect conservatives to local commissions that will be responsible.
A bill brought in the Senate recently was discussed by Sen. Marty and Rep. Hunt. SB203 calls for a financing plan to be in place before bringing it to a county or city commission by any entity that is asking for TIF (Tax Increment Financing). A plan must outline how the project costs will be paid for using future tax revenue increases. Additionally, “the local government entity responsible for the district must find that the social or economic benefits of the project outweigh its costs to property owners and taxing authorities within the district.”
There was a brief discussion on a question from School Superintendent Dr. Pandi Pittman concerning accountability for all students. She asked when there would be data on the proficiency in math and science from alternative schools.
Rep. Ismay said that he felt it was unnecessary that homeschooled or alternative school students should have to do any testing.
As the morning came to an end, Rep. Hunt again emphasized that she was working in government to protect individual rights. “I want to be challenged,” she said, and encourages her constituents to email her. Both Rep. Ismay and Sen. Marty echoed her words.
Email addresses can be found at the South Dakota Legislature website: sdlegislature.gov.
The Cross-Over Day for bills is February 24, 2026.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
