A bill amending the instruction and hours during a state emergency reached the Governor’s desk.

 

Senate Bill 46, which allows for the consideration of certain instruction to count towards the minimum number of hours required in a school term during a declared state of emergency, passed both chambers’ education committees and the full chamber to reach Gov. Kristi Noem’s desk for signature.

 

Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson said the bill “tweaks some language” to one passed last year during the COVID-19 pandemic as schools are “working through very special situations” as the Secretary of Education “could consider waivers for instructional hours” during a declared state of emergency.

 

ASBSD supports the bill.

 

“This bill is very succinct,” ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany said. “It’s very much focused on emergency situations.”

 

For updates on SB 46 and the 2021 legislative session, check the ASBSD Blog and Bill Tracker page.