First-term Republican Sen. John Carley of Piedmont brought Senate Bill 51, which is similar to legislation that’s popped up in North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. Louisiana in particular has a new law requiring schools to post the Ten Commandments, but that’s been stopped by a lower court.

A bill that would make it mandatory for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in publicly funded elementary, middle and high schools passed out of the state Senate in a razor-thin vote on Tuesday. South Dakota Senators advanced SB 51 on an 18-17 vote.

A committee of South Dakota lawmakers voted 4-3 to endorse a bill Thursday in Pierre that would require public school districts to teach the Ten Commandments and display them in every classroom. The vote came after an hour of testimony that included opposition from public school groups.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first joint address to the South Dakota Legislature as governor on Tuesday. His full speech is here:

Amid Larry Rhoden's succession to South Dakota governor, several executive staffers under former Gov. Kristi Noem were shuffled into new roles.

South Dakota voters are going through their own period of adjustment as Larry Rhoden settles into his new job as governor. Many voters, especially those who live on the east side of the state, are still unfamiliar with the longtime West River politician.