PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) On Wednesday, the South Dakota Senate was split on financial oversight measures. Lawmakers voted down a bill that would have expanded the State Auditor’s powers, falling short by just one vote after a debate over investigative authority. Senators overwhelmingly supported companion legislation that mandates state agencies to appoint internal control officers. Sen. Jim Mehlhaff noted that the approved measure is designed to prevent fraud and abuse within the state system. The legislation will now move on to the House.
Senate Bill 59, introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley, was unanimously approved Thursday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill revises provisions regarding the delivery, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of unauthorized items in state correctional facilities. AG Jackley says the legislation is crucial for protecting correctional officers from dangerous items that could be a threat to both staff and inmates. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Senate Bill 58, proposed by Attorney General Marty Jackley to combat human trafficking in South Dakota, was unanimously approved on Thursday. The bill revises existing laws on human trafficking, prohibits obstructing trafficking enforcement, and introduces penalties for violators. AG Jackley says the legislation will strengthen protections for victims and improve the state’s ability to hold offenders accountable. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Lawmakers in Pierre debated limits on school administrator pay on Thursday, as teachers remain near the bottom in national salary rankings. Todd Epp has the story. VERBATIM: The Senate Education Committee narrowly advanced a measure capping administrator salaries at three times the average teacher pay in their districts. The state ranks 49th in teacher salaries but 16th for administrator pay. Education groups oppose the bill, saying it would hurt recruitment of top school leaders. I’m Todd Epp reporting. The measure now heads to the full Senate.
South Dakota senators narrowly approved reducing drug ingestion penalties, shifting focus from prison to treatment. Here’s Todd Epp with more. VERBATIM: The 18-17 vote makes first offenses a misdemeanor with mandatory rehabilitation. Meanwhile, it would keep felony charges for repeat violations. Currently, according to the Department of Corrections, 279 people are in state prisons on ingestion charges. Supporters say the current system strains overcrowded prisons, while opponents argue it weakens enforcement tools. I’m Todd Epp reporting. The measure now moves to the House.