01/17/2026
ACTION NEEDED NOW!
LEGISLATIVE ALERT AND ACTION REQUIRED OF ALL AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS!
Senate Bill 70 was introduced by the SD Department of Transportation. This bill will eliminate the Aeronautics Commission which is comprised of seven citizen pilots with extensive backgrounds in all facets of aviation. If passed, the bill will create a single Transportation Committee of nine members, merging the current Aeronautics Commission, the SD Railroad Board, the SD Railroad Authority, and the SD Transportation Commission into one Transportation Commission. This new Commission will consist of two aviation knowledgeable members, two railroad members, and five surface transportation members. Virtually all aviation organizations in the State are opposed to this bill which will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee next Wednesday, January 21. The best outcome will be for this bill to be defeated in Committee, and the best way to do that is for everyone who values aviation in the State either show up in person or connect to the Hearing virtually next Wednesday. Instructions on how to do this are at the end of this post. Even if you don’t talk, you can click that you are OPPOSED to Senate Bill 70. Included below are talking points:
-Aviation is a unique, highly technical, highly regulated form of transportation that is fundamentally different from other forms of transportation. The state aviation system depends on federal funding to support improvements at the state’s public use airports. Guidance on decision making of projects needs to be done by knowledgeable aeronautics commissioners who understand aeronautics, aircraft, and aviation. Combining the Aeronautics Commission with other commissions would substantially reduce the aviation knowledge in dealing with aeronautics, aircraft, and aviation issues.
-Only two of the nine members would have a background knowledge in aviation. With this makeup, one of two things will happen; either the other seven members will just accept the advice of the two aviation oriented members regarding all matters related to aviation, or the other non-aviation members will disregard the aviation members input on matters related to aviation, or if the two aviation members have different viewpoints the remaining members won’t know what to do. What if the two aviation members are from one or more of the largest airports in the State? The concerns and needs of the smaller, general aviation airports will not be represented. Regardless, the result is going to be a shallower, less robust discussion about the aviation issue at hand than would occur with the present Aeronautics Commission of seven members who all have in-depth knowledge and experience in aviation matters.
-Although it is true that funds in the Aeronautics account cannot be permanently transferred to other agencies or transportation entities, the Aeronautics fund can be, and has been used in the past, to “lend” money for non-aviation uses. This action removed the ability for that money to be used for bona fide aviation purposes for years until it was “paid back”.
-One of the responsibilities of the Aeronautics Commission is to evaluate and provide advice to all State agencies regarding the purchase, use, and disposition of State owned aircraft. Without knowledgeable review of the aircraft’s mission and capabilities, the purchase (or sale) of an aircraft will be decided by persons unfamiliar with the practicalities of airplane use and spend taxpayer money on a very expensive piece of equipment that may not be suitable for its intended purpose.
-The costs associated with supporting the current Aeronautics Commission are minimal, as most meetings are now occurring virtually. Commission members are experts in their field working voluntarily to create and maintain an effective, efficient, and vibrant aviation system in our State. A single bad decision by a Transportation Commission consisting primarily of non-aviation persons will wipe out any perceived savings gained by eliminating the Aeronautics Commission as it exists today.
If you cannot come to Pierre in person on Wednesday, at least contact each and every member of the Transportation Committee before Wednesday. Ours is a small State, and it is likely that some of you know personally some of these legislators. Call them this weekend as it is a long weekend for them and they will likely be available to listen to their constituents. Personal contacts are very effective.
Senate Transportation Committee Contacts (2026)
>>
>> Senator Randy Deibert (Chair)
>> Email: [email protected]
>> Capitol Phone: 605-773-3821
>>
>> Senator Joy Hohn
>> Email: [email protected]
>> Capitol Phone: 605-773-3821
>>
>> Senator Stephanie Sauder
>> Email: [email protected]
>> Capitol Phone: 605-773-3821
>>
>> Senator Kyle Schoenfish
>> Email: [email protected]
>> Capitol Phone: 605-773-3821
>>
>> Senator Liz Larson
>> Email: [email protected]
>> Capitol Phone: 605-773-3821
>>
>> Senator Michael Rohl
>> Email: [email protected]
>> Capitol Phone: 605-773-3821
How to listen and register for the Transportation Committee Hearing on Wednesday:
Step-by-Step Guide to Remote Testimony:
Click on this link to get to the Senate Transportation Committee “Register to testify” page: https://sdlegislature.gov/testify/294964
Locate the Registration: Look for a link or QR code on the committee's agenda to access the digital registration form.
Register & Request Remote: Fill out the form, providing your name, city, the bill number, your stance (proponent/opponent), and select the option to testify remotely.
Submit Materials (Optional but Recommended): At least 24 hours before the meeting, email your written testimony or digital handout (PDF, PowerPoint) to the committee's email address (found on the committee webpage).
Await Approval & Invitation: The committee chair has discretion over remote testimony; if approved, you'll receive a Microsoft Teams link.
Prepare for the Hearing:
Test your internet, microphone, and camera.
Have your written points and any handouts ready.
During the Hearing:
Log in via the Teams link at the scheduled time.
Wait for the chair to call your name.
State your name, city, and bill, then offer your testimony (usually a few minutes).
Be respectful and concise, and thank the committee at the end.
“Democracy is not Majority Rule, it is Rule of the Majority who PARTICIPATE!”- Thomas Jefferson
