PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – The House State Affairs Committee passes a bill (SB 147) to prohibit collective bargaining by employees of the South Dakota Board of Regents.

It would eliminate the union that represents faculty at the state’s six public universities.

Presenting the bill this morning, Representative Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids. He says the move will make the universities more flexible and efficient.

Among the opponents, South Dakota Education Association Lobbyist Jeremiah Murphy. He says it takes away people’s rights and will threaten academic freedom.

The measure passed 10-2 and now heads to the House floor. It has already cleared the Senate and is supported by Governor Krisit Noem.

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