South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HB1252

Introduced

1/27/22

Refer

1/31/22

Caption

Create an Office of Public Policy Events at institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would create a structured approach for addressing public policy discussions across the state's higher education institutions. Each university would be mandated to publicize and stage events that feature speakers with differing opinions on significant societal issues. The Board of Regents would also be responsible for managing these events, thereby institutionalizing a framework for ongoing public dialogue and educational opportunities regarding policy-related topics.

Summary

House Bill 1252 aims to establish an Office of Public Policy Events at institutions of higher education in South Dakota. This bill is designed to enhance civic engagement among students, faculty, and the public by organizing debates, group forums, and individual lectures on a wide array of public policy issues. The intent is to encourage discourse from multiple perspectives, allowing students and community members to engage with diverse viewpoints and critical discussions surrounding contemporary issues.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill. Critics might argue about the potential biases in speaker selections or the quality of discourse facilitated by the offices. Additionally, concerns could arise around the funding for such events and whether institutions could adequately support the logistical aspects, including travel and honoraria for speakers. The requirement to maintain a publicly accessible calendar and video recordings of events could also raise issues regarding transparency and accessibility across educational institutions.