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of the bill. It previously called for the Legislature to oversee economic activities in the state without any specifics.
• The economic development agency has been under federal and state investigation because of allegations of misconduct.
• The bill would require criminal background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Any employees of the agency who have access to account numbers or authorize financial assistance would be subject to the background checks.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- An Aberdeen native has been named superintendent of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.
• Bradley Richardson is coming from a military medical regional training site in Tomah, Wis., where he has worked since 2010. Before that he worked for a couple of military medical commands. He has degrees from Viterbo University, Minot State University and Northern State University.
• Department of Veterans Affairs South Dakota Secretary Larry Zimmerman says Richardson has more than 29 years of leadership, experience and knowledge in military health care and health care management.
• Richardson begins his new duties on June 11.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- A South Dakota legislative panel has passed a bill to study the effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on children in the state.
• The House State Affairs Committee voted 12-1 to support the measure. It goes next to the House floor.
• The bill initially addressed another topic, but the committee passed an amendment overhauling its content. It would create a task force to explore the issue and make policy suggestions to the Legislature.
• Opponents say the state could order a summer study without a legislative mandate. They say it's late in the process and the bill might not get much input if it changes again.
• Supporters say the issue matters to constituents.
• A different measure to ensure insurance coverage for the disorder passed the same committee but ultimately failed.
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