PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The Executive Board of the South Dakota legislature voted to hold special committee hearings later this month to begin planning for a possible special session this fall.

Board Chairman, Senator Brock Greenfield of Clark referred to an email he had sent to board members about the hearings.

Senator Troy Heinert of Mission made the motion to set up five committees.

The committees would be: Agriculture and natural resources, Health and human services, commerce and energy, local government and education.

Senator Kris Langer of Dell Rapids says she doesn’t think the special committees are necessary.

The board voted 10-5 to proceed with the committee hearings.

The state got over one billion dollars in federal funding to deal with the impact of the pandemic. Governor Kristi Noem said she hasn’t decided yet if a special session will be necessary.