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House elects John Hansen speaker; Carla Lembs named speaker pro tempore; Patricia Miller reappointed chief clerk; rules adopted
Summary
On Jan. 14, 2025, the South Dakota House of Representatives completed organizational business, electing Representative John Hansen as speaker, Representative Carla Lembs as speaker pro tempore and Patricia Miller as chief clerk; the House also adopted temporary joint and house rules and appointed committees for memorial and scheduling duties.
The South Dakota House of Representatives completed its organizational business on Jan. 14, 2025, electing Representative John Hansen as speaker, Representative Carla Lembs as speaker pro tempore and Patricia (Pat) Miller as chief clerk and adopting temporary rules that will govern the chamber while the 100th legislative session begins.
The nominations, seconding and roll-call votes occurred on the House floor after the clerk confirmed a quorum. Representative Odenbach moved to nominate John Hansen for speaker; Representative Odenbach and Representative Healy spoke in support before the roll-call vote. The clerk announced "there were 67 ayes. Excused 2," and Representative John Hansen was declared elected speaker for the 2025–2026 term.
The organizational actions set the House’s leadership and procedures for the session and established the framework for committee referrals and floor procedure. Adopting temporary joint and house rules preserves continuity with the previous session’s rules while the chamber considers permanent rules and committee assignments.
Representative Overweg moved that Representative Carla Lembs be elected speaker pro tempore. After remarks by Representative Overweg and Representative Emery, the House conducted a roll-call vote; the clerk announced 67 ayes and 2 excused, and Lembs was declared elected speaker pro tempore.
Representative Odenbach nominated Patricia Miller for chief clerk. Members spoke in her support; a roll-call vote followed and the clerk announced the majority approval (the clerk’s announcement recorded the affirmative vote of the majority of members elect). Patricia Miller was sworn and declared chief clerk for the 100th legislative session.
The House also adopted temporary rules for joint sessions and for the House itself. On a recorded vote to adopt the permanent joint rules of the 99th legislative session as temporary joint rules for the 100th session, the clerk announced "ayes 68, excused 1" and the motion carried. The same approach was used to adopt the House temporary rules, and that motion also passed with the clerk announcing 68 ayes and 1 excused.
Other organizational motions carried by voice vote or unanimous consent. The House appointed a committee of five on its part to meet with a Senate committee of five to arrange a memorial recognition of deceased former members of the two chambers. The House also adopted a motion to reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, and waived the reading of certain personnel appointment lists into the record.
Representative Odenbach's nomination speeches for leadership positions emphasized experience and temperament; Representative Healy likewise urged colleagues to support Hansen, saying he had "a strong understanding of these rules and processes." Representative Overweg and Representative Emery offered endorsements for Lembs that highlighted her work ethic and stated priorities. Patricia Miller was introduced by Representative Odenbach as a long-serving clerk of the House.
The House completed the organizational portion of its agenda and recessed to allow scheduled joint sessions and the governor’s State of the State address later in the day.
