PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Today is “sine die” (signee dye) for the South Dakota Legislature.
“Sine die” (also pronounced see-nay dee-aye) is Latin for a legislative body has concluded its meeting without setting a day or time to reconvene.
That’s according to multistate.us, which follows legislatures across the United States.
In other words, the legislature has hit its scheduled 38 days and there will be no more days to meet in the 99th Legislative Session. The only way for the legislature to meet until next January is if Gov. Kristi Noem calls them into session or two-thirds of the members of the House and Senate petition to call themselves back to Pierre.
Typically, the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate–the Lt. Governor–will try to synchronize their gaveling of the completion of the session at the same time. The House and Senate are scheduled to meet at 11 a.m.
According to Section 9 of the South Dakota Constitution, “A majority of the members of each house shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn from day-to-day, and may compel the attendance of absent members in such a manner and under such penalty as each house may provide.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Hughes County, so expect a “smaller number” of legislators adjourning the 2024 session.
For the first time since 1955, a governor has vetoed no bills for legislators to attempt to overturn. Hence, there is no need for the usual veto session. There also appears to be no other business for legislators to conduct.
For those who like to plan ahead, the 100th Legislative Session convenes at noon, Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
