PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- If you want to testify on a bill that’s before the South Dakota Legislature’s House State Affairs Committee, you will have to do it in person.

Prior to COVID and on a limited basis, people had been able to testify via phone. Then the COVID pandemic ushered in remote testimony as a common tool for participating in state government committee work.

But, while discussing the rules for procedure in House State Affairs Wednesday, Committee Chair and House Majority Leader Representative Will Mortenson of Pierre says he’s not allowing any remote testimony.

Mortenson says the committee has a massive workload and he doesn’t want to have to schedule meetings at night.

Mortenson says, also because of the committee’s workload, he won’t grant much leeway with amendments or deferrals.

If a topic or issue has been covered multiple times in past legislative sessions, Mortenson will allot a “shorter equal time” for discussion.

Mortenson says the committee members have the knowledge to keep things moving in a timely manner.

People are also able to submit written testimony by emailing housestateaffairs@sdlegislature.gov.

Find legislator contact information, a list of bills filed and committee meeting schedules at https://sdlegislature.gov/.