GOP lawmaker lambasted over bill to defund Huron schools

Rep. Phil Jensen steps down from committee vice chairmanship amid sharp criticism

PIERRE — A West River lawmaker who sponsored a bill to defund the Huron School District has created uproar at the Capitol and around the state, leading to widespread condemnation from his colleagues.

Rep. Phil Jensen’s one-sentence House Bill 1224 would have prohibited the South Dakota Department of Education from forwarding any general fund state aid to Huron schools. Jensen, a Rapid City Republican, has served in both the House and Senate since 2009.

The bombastic lawmaker, who is no stranger to throwing himself into controversy across his long legislative career, said he withdrew the bill. Its origin came from a tip he got from a Huron parent, who said that biological boys were using girls’ restrooms in the district.

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