Details from District 2: Two Kolbeck-introduced bills on way to Governor’s desk

Hello, everyone, from Pierre. As I write this on late Sunday evening, the results of our session will be known, and the session will be over. But here is my final update from Pierre for you all. In a busy final stretch of the legislative session, lawmakers have approved several high-profile measures while negotiations continue on the state’s upcoming budget. Two of my major bills are on their way to the Governor—one regulating cryptocurrency ATMs and another strengthening wildfire preparedness—cleared both chambers.

Senate Bill 98, often referred to as the ATM Cryptocurrency Bill, passed with bipartisan support. The legislation establishes new consumerprotection standards for digitalasset kiosks, including clearer fee disclosures and enhanced safeguards against fraud. The bill aims to bring greater transparency to a rapidly expanding financial sector while ensuring residents have access to secure, wellregulated services.

Senate Bill 36 focused on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, also won approval. The measure helps limit liability for your local rural cooperative and electric utilities. It also strengthens coordination between state and local agencies, and updates mitigation planning requirements. With wildfire seasons growing longer and more severe, lawmakers described the bill as an essential step toward protecting communities and natural resources.

Beyond those bills passed, legislators spent part of the week “smoking out” a bill related to school lunch funding. Several members pushed for the necessary funding to ensure students receive consistent access to nutritious food. We should know the result of that tomorrow or Tuesday of this week. Discussions are expected to continue as part of the broader budget process.

The final state budget is expected to be released later this week, with negotiations intensifying around education, infrastructure, and publicsafety funding. Lawmakers have signaled optimism that an agreement can be reached early this week.

As the session winds down, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me over the past four years. I really appreciate all of kindness District 2 has shown me during my two terms. 

Sincerely,

Senator Steve Kolbeck

District 2