In political reversal, longshot mask mandate in South Dakota heads to the full Senate
Senate Bill 125, a measure requiring masks indoors in South Dakota, overcame steep political odds by clearing a health committee and vaulting toward debate by the full Senate, albeit "without recommendation" from the committee. Lawmakers were pessimistic about the measure's final passage, but said a public conversation on the bill's merits could further encourage mask-use in a state rocked by the virus.
Written By: Christopher Vondracek
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Sen. Reynold Nesiba, left, testifies in favor of Senate Bill 125, which would temporarily impose a statewide mask mandate for South Dakota to help interrupt the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The Health and Human Services Committee adopted his measure 5-2 "without recommendation." (Christopher Vondracek / Forum News Service)