Busy week ahead for South Dakota lawmakers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – The South Dakota Legislature will address several closely-watched issues this week, starting with a ban on gender-change treatments for children under 16.

A Senate committee is scheduled to consider the bill that would make it illegal for physicians to administer puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgeries to children under 16 who want to change their gender. Protests are also planned at the Capitol.

The Legislature will also receive updated information on how much money they can expect to work with in the state budget.

A bill to legalize industrial hemp is also expected to advance through the House.