PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Another citizen’s vote on Medicaid eligibility is a step closer after passage by a House committee Monday.

The House State Affairs Committee passed SJR501 11 to 2 to put a constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot that would allow the state the option to implement a work requirement for “able-bodied” Medicaid recipients.

In 2022, voters passed a constitutional amendment expanding Medicaid to poor South Dakotans between 18 and 64.

However, resolution supporters say it is unclear if voters meant to include “able-bodied” people to participate.

Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen from Sioux Falls.

Opponents said the legislature had seven chances over the past decade to implement expanded Medicaid and allow the state to consider a work requirement but refused.

Former Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, now with Avera, said a work requirement in Arkansas failed.

Supporters called the measure “clarifying” the intent of the voters.

If passed by the voters, the constitutional amendment would not add a work requirement but give the state the option to do so if allowed by the federal government. Currently, the Biden administration does not allow a work requirement.

SJR501 has already passed the Senate. The next–and last stop–is the House of Representatives.