Rep. Phil Jensen, R‑Rapid City, was removed from the House Education Committee after objecting to a new seating chart implemented by Chair Rep. Lana Greenfield, R‑Doland. The disagreement delayed Friday’s meeting by more than 15 minutes. House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R‑Spearfish, said Jensen and others attempted to disrupt proceedings, prompting leaders to intervene privately. Jensen was the only member reassigned.
Jensen, who previously lost his vice‑chair role for proposing to defund a school district over its transgender bathroom policy, accused GOP leadership of targeting conservatives and isolating them through seating changes. House Speaker Jon Hansen, R‑Dell Rapids, rejected that claim, stating he acted solely to maintain order and would not tolerate disruptions over a seating assignment.
Jensen moved from Education and Transportation to Local Government and Taxation. Odenbach said he doesn’t expect further incidents as the legislative session continues through March.
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