As one of seven attorneys general from across the country, Jackley spoke at the National Press Club about the growing dangers of fentanyl. He stressed the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement in addressing the opioid crisis. The group also discussed their collaboration with the Trump administration on securing the border and protecting Americans from violent criminals.
South Dakota lawmakers and state leaders are reflecting on the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session, with the most notable achievement being the limitation of eminent domain powers for Carbon Capture pipeline companies. This significant victory comes after nearly four years of legislative battles. Pipeline critic Ed Fischbach is celebrating the win, as the grassroots movement opposing the pipeline continues to gain momentum. The movement has already scored several victories, including state Supreme Court rulings, a successful election referendum, and now, this legislative success.
Governor Larry Rhoden has signed 10 new bills designed to foster economic opportunity in South Dakota. These bills address various issues, including changes to licensing and inspection fees, the establishment of an electronic vehicle title system, and updates to trust provisions and sales tax exemptions. Governor Rhoden highlighted that these measures are crucial to sustaining South Dakota’s economic growth. Notably, SB 131 and HB 1232 were signed during a ceremony in Sioux Falls as part of his “Open for Opportunity” tour. To date, the governor has signed 136 bills and vetoed one in this legislative session.
A group of South Dakotans, organized by Indivisible 605, protested government cuts impacting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) near the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The protest, held on Friday, called for increased support for veterans and criticized recent program reductions under the Trump administration. In response, the VA defended its efforts to reform, stating that these changes have been necessary for years. The department also emphasized that less than one percent of its workforce has been laid off, dismissing concerns over the cuts.
South Dakota’s unemployment rate remains impressively low, continuing to outpace the national average. The state’s unemployment rate held steady at just 1.9% in January, far below the national rate of 4.1%. This positive trend highlights the state’s thriving economy, with nearly 500,000 workers in South Dakota’s workforce as of January. State officials are optimistic about job growth heading into the spring, emphasizing strong job creation across South Dakota.
A woman from Mitchell, Tina Hauge, was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to methamphetamine possession. As part of a plea deal, additional charges against Hauge were dropped. She received a five-year suspended prison sentence, will serve 30 days in jail (with 18 days remaining), and will be on probation for two years. Hauge will also pay a $750 fine. The investigation began in October when Mark Leach, an employee of the Freedom Valu Center, was stopped by police and found with meth and drug paraphernalia. Further searches at Leach’s home and the Freedom Valu Center uncovered evidence of meth dealing and illegal prescription drugs, leading to Hauge’s sentencing and the previous conviction of another employee, Shelly Klapkin, in December. Leach, with a prior drug conviction, pleaded not guilty and is set for court again in May.
Mitchell man has changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in a rape charge related to a domestic incident in November 2024. Court documents show Azriel Fallis admitted to living with a minor and having sexual relations with her multiple times.
South Dakota Governor Rhoden has signed two important Senate bills backed by Attorney General Marty Jackley, set to strengthen law enforcement and protect public safety. Senate Bill 58 focuses on enhancing human trafficking enforcement by revising key provisions and prohibiting obstruction of trafficking efforts. Senate Bill 59 aims to crack down on the possession and delivery of unauthorized items within state correctional facilities, addressing serious security concerns.
Governor Rhoden has successfully signed Senate Bill 216 into law, marking a significant step in providing property tax relief for South Dakota homeowners. Signed in the Capitol Rotunda, the bill introduces a three percent countywide cap on property tax assessment increases, offering much-needed financial relief. In addition, it raises the income and home value limits for the state’s assessment freeze program, ensuring more residents benefit from these changes. Set to take effect over the next five years, this landmark legislation is a win for South Dakotans, providing long-term stability for homeowners across the state.
South Dakota House members failed to override Gov. Larry Rhoden’s veto of a childcare assistance bill today (Thursday), with the vote falling short of the required two-thirds majority.