PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota lawmakers plan to take up bills this week to create a reporter shield law, allow sports betting in Deadwood and ban teaching about gender identity in elementary and middle schools.
Here’s a glance at what’s on the agenda when the Legislature returns to Pierre on Tuesday:
SPORTS BETTING
A proposal asking voters to legalize sports betting in Deadwood is set to have a hearing Wednesday in the Senate State Affairs Committee. The push comes after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way last year for all states to offer legal sports betting.
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to authorize wagering in Deadwood and at tribal casinos. If sports betting gets voters’ blessing in 2020, it could be available by July 2021.
Supporters say it would help keep historic Deadwood competitive as a gambling destination. House Majority Leader Lee Qualm said he opposes the plan because people can become addicted to gambling. He said it ends up destroying families and costing far more than the state gets in revenue.
