I was surprised to read that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was not going to sign the bill passed by the state legislature that would have prohibited transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports.  Governor Noem, a Trump-supporting Republican, is rumored to be interested in running for president in 2024, and this issue is playing very well with Republicans.  So why would she not sign the bill?

She cited concerns over litigation, since the bill might put South Dakota colleges and universities in conflict with NCAA regulations.  The bill was also opposed by many business groups, including the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce.  The governor tried to negotiate some changes, but she and the South Dakota legislative leaders could not come to an agreement.   But then, after considerable outrage from conservative media, Governor Noem issued executive orders that effectively accomplish what the bills that she refused to sign were going to accomplish, at least with regard to K-12 students.  So student athletes in South Dakota public schools will be required to compete as per their biological sex, with no exceptions to that. 

What South Dakota has done by executive order several other states are doing through legislation.  Texas has bills pending on this.  Keep an eye on SB 373 and HB 4042. 

DAWG BONE: NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT THE UIL.

Tomorrow: do not ask for whom the bell tolls….