The amendment added six additional legislators as co-sponsors (Representatives Moore, Muckey, Novstrup, Reimer, Roby, and Wittman and Senators Deibert, Duhamel, Perry, and Peterson) to the commemoration honoring William Long IV, expanding the bill's sponsorship but not changing its substance or purpose.
26.1029.9 101st Legislative Session HC8014 2026 South Dakota Legislature House Commemoration 8014 Introduced by: Representative Emery Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. Representatives Emery, Moore, Muckey, Novstrup, Reimer, Roby, and Wittman and Senators Deibert, Duhamel, Perry, and Peterson (Sue) A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION honoring the life and legacy of William Long IV. 1 WHEREAS, William Long IV lost his life on December 21, 2025, while enjoying one of his 2 greatest passions, ice fishing, on the Rosebud Reservation; and 3 WHEREAS, William was a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished brother, nephew, 4 cousin, and a loyal friend to many throughout his community; and 5 WHEREAS, William was known for his deep love of fishing in every season, embracing the 6 outdoors with patience, skill, and joy; and 7 WHEREAS, William was a boxer whose discipline, determination, and resilience reflected 8 the character with which he lived his life; and 9 WHEREAS, William was a passionate supporter of youth athletics and believed strongly in 10 mentoring young people through sports, serving as an assistant coach for the Todd County 11 Lady Falcons basketball team and encouraging young athletes both on and off the court; and 12 WHEREAS, he was a proud and dedicated fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the New York 13 Yankees, bringing energy and spirited conversation wherever games were watched and 14 victories were celebrated; and 15 WHEREAS, William embraced both his Mexican heritage and Native American culture with 16 pride, honoring the traditions, values, and strength of his ancestors while passing their 17 teachings forward to the next generation; and 18 WHEREAS, William Long IV’s life was defined by loyalty to family, commitment to 19 community, and a generous spirit that touched many lives across the Rosebud Reservation 20 and beyond; 21 26.1029.9 2 HC8014 Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundred First Legislature of the 1 State of South Dakota, that this body honors and remembers William Long IV for his life, his 2 service to youth, his devotion to family, and the example he set for his community; and 3 BE IT FURTHER COMMEMORATED, that the House extends its deepest sympathy to his 4 wife, child, family members, teammates, players, and friends, and recognizes that his 5 memory will live on in the lives of those he helped to shape. 6