A full panel of judges in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will decide if the Indian Child Welfare Act is based on race or politics.

The court heard oral arguments on Wednesday, Jan. 22, in New Orleans.

In 2018 a Texas lower court found the act known as ICWA to be unconstitutionally race-based. A three-judge panel overturned that finding, but not unanimously.

Now all of the appeals judges in the Fifth Circuit will consider the issue.

SDPB's Victoria Wicks has this report.

To hear audio of oral arguments in their entirety, click on this link:

The Statehouse podcast is SDPB Radio's legislative podcast that features a compilation of the top stories coming from Pierre. 

In today's edition, you will hear a report from the Dakota Political Junkies, how House Republicans are advancing a bill they say protects transgender children from undergoing irreversible procedures, and more.

South Dakota laws related to certified registered nurse anesthetists—or CRNAs—haven’t been updated since 1979. But a bill to give CRNAs broader practice outside of hospital settings is now moving to the senate floor.

Senate Bill 50 brings South Dakota CRNA practices up to par with national standards. It also expands collaboration to non-physician care providers like dentists, and gives them authority to prescribe controlled substances for pain management based on their training.

House Republicans are advancing a bill they say protects transgender children from undergoing irreversible procedures.

Critics of the bill include more than twenty South Dakota pediatricians, who say the bill distorts the relationship between patients and physicians.

House Bill 1057 prohibits medical professionals from proscribing puberty blocking medication, as well as performing surgeries meant to affirm the perception of a minor’s sex.

In The Moment ... January 22, 2020 Show 738 Hour 2

Where Do We Go from Here? is a program that explores community solutions and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is known for tackling real-world projects. 

This week on the program, join Chuck in-studio or online as we learn about the SDSM&T 2020 Engineering/Science Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program, and how students are partnering with local non-profit community organizations to solve real problems and strengthen the well-being of our communities.

In The Moment ... January 22, 2020 Show 738 Hour 1

In The Moment ... January 22, 2020 Show 738 Hour 1

A new poll looks at the approval rating of Governor Noem. A South Dakota lawmaker says consolidation in higher education might help bring down tuition rates. And a bill addressing transgender healthcare hears testimony in Pierre. The Dakota Political Junkies join us for a look at some of the state's top political headlines.  Jon Schaff is a professor of political science at Northern State University in Aberdeen. Jonathan Ellis is a reporter and columnist with Argus Leader Media.  

In The Moment ... January 22, 2020 Show 738 Hour 1

Senior point guard for the Pine Ridge Thorpes, Charles Schrader Jr., had a lot of challenges throughout his high school career. Before his freshman season, his brother was shot and killed outside of the recreation center in Pine Ridge. Soon after he sustained a rare knee injury. Beyond all of that, Charles is still one of the best basketball players in South Dakota.

This week SDPB’s Nate Wek brings us a story of endurance, grit, and achievement.