Our fight against HB 1069 has been a long and difficult road. We’ve faced opposition at every turn—from committees where we had to overcome misinformation, to a House vote that sent the bill forward in its worst form. Despite the challenges, we never backed down. We showed up, we spoke the truth, and we demanded fair regulations that protect small businesses, responsible adult consumers, and public health.
Senator Mykala Voita, District 21
When HB 1069 reached the Senate, we knew the deck was stacked against us. But thanks to the leadership of Senator Mykala Voita, we were able to pass a critical amendment (1069G) that struck the worst parts of the bill, including the unfair PMTA requirements, while adding meaningful restrictions on marketing to minors. This amendment was the compromise that should have satisfied all parties, proving that we are willing to work toward reasonable, responsible regulation.
But immediately after our amendment was adopted, Senator Sydney Davis moved to table HB 1069—a move that confirmed what we had known all along. This bill was never about protecting kids. It was about protecting corporate interests at the expense of small businesses.
If you missed the debate, you can listen to the full audio recording or watch it here and hear for yourself how everything unfolded.
Senate Floor - HB 1069 March 4, 2025
Take a Moment to Say Thank You
This isn’t the end of the conversation. While we were able to stop this bill, we remain committed to working on a regulatory framework that protects public health while allowing responsible businesses to continue serving their communities.
We believe in:
- Preventing youth access without shutting down small businesses
- Fair regulations that don’t give corporate giants a monopoly
- Transparency, safety, and compliance for all retailers
We are not Big Tobacco. We are not part of the black market. We are responsible business owners, veterans, parents, and community members who take pride in doing things the right way. We will continue to work toward real, common-sense solutions that address legitimate concerns without crushing small businesses.
This victory wouldn’t have been possible without 19 courageous senators who stood up for South Dakota’s small businesses and fair regulation. Now, it’s our turn to stand up for them.
We are also sending our appreciation to the 11 House members who stood with us on the floor vote, voting against HB 1069 when it left the House in its worst form. Their willingness to stand strong against pressure helped keep this fight alive and gave us the chance to secure a fairer outcome in the Senate. We won’t forget their support.
Thank you for standing with us. Please take a moment to thank these champions for South Dakota — your voice matters!
