Legislature to debate civics test, science education bills

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – Lawmakers will debate measures this week to create a reporter shield law, lengthen legislative terms and allow a proposed casino complex in a southeastern South Dakota city.

The Legislature returns Monday. Senators are to have a floor debate about a constitutional amendment asking voters to allow a nonprofit group one gambling license in Yankton.

House lawmakers plan to debate putting a separate amendment to voters that would double legislators’ two-year terms.

A Senate panel is scheduled Tuesday to weigh a bill that would require high school students to pass a civics test to graduate. Another panel will debate the reporter shield law that day.

The full House is to debate a bill Monday allowing teachers to decide how much skepticism to inject into lessons on scientific topics such as climate change and the Big Bang.

AP-WF-02-24-19 2035GMT