The House lamp: How lawmakers use an antique light for unspoken communication

What started in jest has become a fixture of the South Dakota House of Representatives

Mar 8, 2023

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PIERRE — Atop Huron Rep. Roger Chase’s desk in the South Dakota state House sits a touch-sensitive lamp used to send signals to the body during floor debates.

It’s a legislative quirk that started in jest during the 2019 winter lawmaking session and has since become part of the decor in the House of Representatives.

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