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.
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 | ×
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)