PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre will be the sight of at least one protest as legislators gather Monday for a special session to address the redistricting of South Dakota’s legislative districts.  The group Health Freedom South Dakota is planning a so-called “Mandate Freedom” rally.  The street closure request is for South Dakota Boulevard, which terminates at the entrance to the State Capitol.  Lori Nuske brought the request to the Pierre City Commission Tuesday.

Health Freedom South Dakota is not listed on the street closure request, but the group’s executive director Mya Olson and her contact information is.  South Dakota Boulevard is a short street, bookended by Church Street and Broadway Avenues, which are major arterial roads bringing traffic not only to state offices, but to nearby T-F Riggs High School.  Commissioner Todd Johnson.

Meanwhile, a group protesting vaccine mandates has filed a lawsuit against Governor Kristi Noem and three members of the Bureau of Administration after the state denied their request to protest at the Capitol to encourage the legislature to bring a bill during the special session to prevent vaccine mandates.  Blue States Refuges was denied the request due to preparations for the annual Christmas at the Capitol display.  The 30-member group based in Spearfish is being represented by the national Institute for Free Speech.