4H Legislative Session

This year’s South Dakota State University Extension 4-H Legislature program yielded three successful bills that will be implemented into the statewide 4-H program, along with a resolution regarding National 4-H Week. 

The fourth annual 4-H Legislative Session was held on Nov. 4, 2023, in the South Dakota Capitol building in Pierre. Of the 12 bills proposed, three passed and were approved by the state program director. One more was passed but ultimately vetoed, two failed on the floor, and the remaining six 

were killed in committee. 

The 3 bills passed included creating an annual 4-H cookbook. changing the size of cookies exhibited during county fairs and the State Fair in the Food and Nutrition project area and creating a hot sheet listing all SDSU Extension 4-H program opportunities. 

The lone house resolution presented during the session encouraged the South Dakota Legislature, governor, counties and cities to proclaim the first week of October as National 4-H Week. 

All three bills and the resolution passed unanimously and were signed by the acting 4-H governor, SDSU Extension State 4-H Program Director Tim Tanner. Signed bills will be implemented within a five-year timeframe.