Author: Pat Powers

Gov. Noem Announces District 32 Legislative Appointment

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem appointed Kristin (Kris) Conzet to represent District 32 in the South Dakota House of Representatives, effective February 10, 2024. The vacancy was created after Governor Noem appointed Becky Drury to represent District 34.

“I am happy to appoint Kris to this role,” said Governor Noem. “She has a robust background of public service and I look forward to working with her as District 32’s new Representative.”

Conzet served in the South Dakota State Legislature from 2010-2018. During her time in the legislature, she served as Majority Whip, chaired local government, was vice chair of commerce and energy, and served on health and human services, state affairs, and taxation.

“I am grateful for Governor Noem’s appointment to represent District 32 in the South Dakota House of Representatives,” said Conzet. “Drawing from my previous legislative experience, I am confident in my ability to serve effectively, even with the limited time remaining in this year’s Legislative session.”

Conzet is a strong conservative. While in the legislature, she voted in favor of Constitutional Carry, supported then State Representative Noem’s legislation that firearms manufactured and retained in South Dakota were not subject to federal regulation, and consistently voted for pro-life legislation. Conzet has degrees in English and mass communications from the University of South Dakota. She lives in Rapid City with her husband, Steve, and their daughter, Katie, who is a senior at USD.

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Dakota Scout has a story tonight on the Shad Olson arrest and incarceration, which includes some disturbing allegations of abuse by Olson, including strangulation:

According to court documents, the incident leading to Olson’s arrest entailed strangulation of a female victim and an attempt to evade arrest before he was taken into custody and placed in the Meade County Jail.

Go read the entire story here.

That’s really disturbing. If true, I hope this victim gets the help and the justice she needs.

If you are a victim of abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Gov. Noem Signs Bills to Streamline State Government into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed the following 29 bills to streamline state government into law:

• SB 2 removes provisions for establishing a uniform method for calculating high school credit received from completing a postsecondary course;
• SB 4 revises provisions regarding township contracts for snow removal;
• SB 19 rescinds rulemaking authority pertaining to the process for publishing required voter registration numbers;
• SB 21 rescinds rule-making authority for the annual report of the number of voters removed from a county’s voter registration list;
• SB 23 exempts an electric vehicle charging station from being subject to a civil fine for overcharging;
• SB 24 increases the maximum user fee for a participant submitting to wear a drug patch under the 24/7 sobriety program;
• SB 33 repeals the Petroleum Release Compensation Board;
• SB 37 revises provisions regarding repair and maintenance of mail routes;
• SB 38 amends the amount a merchant or place of business may assess against returned checks;
• SB 41 modifies an administrative procedure for revoking a nonresponsive insurance producer’s license;
• SB 59 provides for the downgrade of commercial driver licenses and commercial learners permits upon notice of certain drug and alcohol violations;
• SB 60 updates references to certain regulations regarding medical qualifications for certain commercial drivers;
• SB 65 modifies time limits for collection efforts for debts owed to the state;
• HB 1003 updates a reference to the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of higher education savings plans;
• HB 1004 updates the official code of laws;
• HB 1005 revises the manner of citing the Administrative Rules of South Dakota;
• HB 1006 increases the amount of time permitted the Interim Rules Review Committee to review final permanent rulemaking materials;
• HB 1011 revises the membership of the South Dakota Capitol Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission;
• HB 1018 revises certain references to the Internal Revenue Code;
• HB 1020 revises the method by which completion of a required suicide awareness and prevention training is verified;
• HB 1026 clarifies the requirement for the construction or expansion of a municipal campground or tourist accommodation facility;
• HB 1030 updates statutory and regulatory references pertaining to water pollution;
• HB 1031 updates the development and implementation of conservation district standards;
• HB 1050 updates references to certain federal motor carrier regulations;
• HB 1051 makes technical changes to provisions regarding the compensation of agents;
• HB 1055 raises the appraisal value of surplus property that may be sold by a political subdivision without notice;
• HB 1063 amends the valuation service used to value vehicles;
• HB 1068 allows disabled veterans to obtain a standard issue county motor vehicle or motorcycle license plate; and,
• HB 1074 expands eligibility to practice as a dental hygienist under the collaborative supervision of a dentist.

Governor Noem has signed 40 bills into law this legislative session.

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Gov. Noem Signs Pro-2A Bills into Law
Signs Pro-Hunting and Ag Bills 

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed two pro-Second Amendment bills into law. SB 39 prohibits a homeowners’ association from placing restrictions on firearms or firearm ammunition. And HB 1035 extends the period of renewal for an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol.

“South Dakota is a Second Amendment haven,” said Governor Noem. “These two bills strengthen our reputation as the most pro-Second Amendment state in the nation. I will always be proud to stand for the God-given right of every American to keep and bear arms.”

Governor Noem also signed the following three pro-hunting and agriculture bills into law:

• SB 22 amends language regarding the licensing period for a grain buyer;
• SB 54 updates hunting and fishing residency requirements; and,
• HB 1033 addresses the administration of State Conservation Commission functions by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Governor Noem has signed 11 bills into law this legislative session.

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Gov. Noem Responds to President Star Comes Out

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out’s comments:

”In my first year serving as Governor, I repeatedly visited Pine Ridge to work on relationships between the State of South Dakota and the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I wanted to work with them on a number of issues – I still do. In my last visit to Pine Ridge, as I was speaking before an assembly, one gentleman said to me, ‘Governor Noem, I hear lots of bad things about you. And I believe them. But you’re coming here so much now, I’m starting to think that you care.’ Shortly after that meeting, I was banned from the tribe.

“It is unfortunate that President Star Comes Out chose to bring politics into a discussion regarding the effects of our federal government’s failure to enforce federal laws at the southern border and on tribal lands. My focus continues to be on working together to solve those problems.

“I have been working for years to build relationships with our tribes. My state agencies and departments have worked with tribal leaders on a daily basis to deliver services to tribal communities including healthcare, economic development, social services, housing, food programs, suicide prevention, drug addiction treatment, infrastructure costs, and emergency response.

“I am grateful to have celebrated the hanging of two tribal flags in honor in the Capitol Rotunda last month – we are close to having more flags and look forward to holding the next ceremony soon. We have signed gaming compacts, and the first two bills that I signed this legislative session prioritize relationships between the State and our tribes.

“These relationships are by no means perfect; there is still disagreement at times. Any relationship takes work and consistent effort.

“In my speech to the legislature earlier this week, I told the truth of the devastation that drugs and human trafficking have on our state and our people. The Mexican cartels are not only impacting our tribal reservations; they are impacting every community, from our big cities to our small towns. But our tribal reservations are bearing the worst of that in South Dakota. Speaking this fact is not meant to blame the tribes in any way – they are the victim here. They are the victim of cartel-driven criminal activity, and they are the victim of inaction by the federal government.

“I also recognize and said in my border address that issues with tribal law enforcement predate the Biden Administration. I had conversations about these issues with former Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr. In my experience, unlike the current administration, the previous administration was willing to have conversations about how we can work together to address these challenges.

“I thank President Star Comes out for his service in our nation’s military. As I told bipartisan Native American legislators earlier this week, ‘I am not the one with a stiff arm, here. You can’t build relationships if you don’t spend time together.’ I stand ready to work with any of our state’s Native American tribes to build such a relationship.”

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Out in Spearfish hauling more stuff to my bride this weekend, so taking the opportunity to tag along to today’s crackerbarrel with her.

Good attendance. Lots of talk about the budget, and specific issue on forest health, as well as whether air b&b’s are pushing out home ownership opportunities.

Good Neighbors

By House Majority Leader Will Mortenson and Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree
February 3, 2024

South Dakota is a special place. We are blessed with natural wonders, fertile soil, room to roam, and freedoms that most people in the world envy. What makes South Dakota exceptional are the people and how we treat one another. Here in South Dakota, we embody the value of being a good neighbor. From helping with ranch chores, harvest, child care, or an emergency, South Dakotans are always stepping up to help others.

Just like any family, there are times we may disagree. Today, we are faced with strong feelings on both sides of the land use debate related to carbon dioxide pipelines. The proposed project has led to emotional conversations in the Legislature, at county commission meetings, and around dining room tables.

Going into the 2024 Session, both of us as Republican Majority Leaders are committed to finding a path forward that benefits landowners and sets clear expectations of regulatory and procedural requirements for those who want to do business in South Dakota. For those who want to become our neighbors and do business here, they will need to do so the South Dakota way, as good neighbors.

We know this is a contentious issue, but we also know South Dakotans can come together to enact good public policy. Both of us have talked to landowners opposed to the project as well as landowners willing to work on easements. Based on those conversations, it is clear that the time is now for impactful change related to the planning, siting, surveying, permitting, and safety mitigation regarding CO2 infrastructure projects while also reaffirming protections to landowners.

Last year, the two of us and our respective chambers were on the opposite side of this issue, and we left Pierre in a stalemate. After lengthy discussions with landowners, ag producers, landowner-rights groups, county commissioners, and our colleagues in the Legislature, it became clear that we all agreed far more than we disagreed. Together, we have worked on proposals that focus on a project development process; one that promotes respect, fairness, and certainty for everyone involved.

There is widespread agreement that South Dakota needs to be forward thinking. As a state dependent upon agriculture, our prosperity depends on national and global markets, and we must embrace emerging industries that leverage our commodities. Doing so creates jobs, feeds families, pays off loans, puts dollars into local economies, and, most importantly, helps create a brighter future for our state and its next generation. This is another way we are focused on helping people because a rising tide lifts all boats. A strong ag economy in South Dakota helps everyone.

Policy reform is needed, and that will require good-faith discussions based on facts among everyone willing to have a serious discussion on protecting property rights while also setting in place a process for projects with tremendous public benefit. With that as our starting point, we have introduced legislation to keep our state open for business while reaffirming our commitment to protecting the people of South Dakota.

We have introduced three bills this year that we are asking our fellow legislators to support–HB 1185, HB 1186, and SB 201. As a package, these bills address many of the concerns we have heard since the CO2 pipeline projects began. These landowner protections include:

1. Additional compensation to landowners when building for-profit infrastructure projects.

2. Safety enhancements, including additional minimum depth to 4 feet and required release of all dispersion and impact models.

3. Liability protection, including lifetime repair of drain tile, indemnification for harm done to land, livestock, and residents.

4. Improved land surveying process. For survey and siting, planners must provide a description of the area, anticipated date(s) and time(s), length of time needed, work description, and contact information for the company. Landowners may challenge the request within 30 days.

5. Project planners must provide additional safety and land-use studies to justify the project need, their ability to protect landowners, and ability to follow through on their commitments.

6. Land agents for CO2 pipeline projects must be South Dakota-based.

7. Easements for CO2 pipeline projects expire after five years if the developer is unable to construct the project.

This is truly a consequential year for lawmakers in Pierre. We can come together and support common sense reforms that protect landowners, we can fight to squander economic development that benefits the state as a whole, or we can leave session in a stalemate once again.

Together, we’re committed to continuing the South Dakota tradition of being good neighbors and right-sizing the issues that have emerged to forge a path forward that respects landowners, creates fairness for landowners and developers, and provides certainty for all parties on the process to be followed for infrastructure projects in our state.

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I can’t just put my finger on it, but from reading the Internet, I’m getting the impression that goofball election truther county auditors might not be fans of this website.

Maybe it’s just me?

A court case which illustrated the current intra-party battles between traditional Republicans, who have long been serving the party and their Trumpy upstart counterparts, decided today in a Yankton County Court room with the traditional Republicans emerging victorious.

If you remember the court case that made the media earlier this year, “YANKTON COUNTY REPUBLICANS vs. DUANE BECKER, GREG ADAMSON, ROGER MEYER, DISTRICT 18 REPUBLICAN POLITIAL ACTION COMMITTEE” the most recently elected version of the Yankton County Republican Party had initiated a lawsuit against the former board, who, before their departure, made a decision as a body to form a political action committee so they could spend funds that they had raised consistent with the wishes of their donors.

The lawsuit was brought by the new board in an attempt to claw back those funds because they believed they could spend them better.

As it had been related by the media:

On Dec. 7, Butch Becker, the outgoing treasurer, used these assets to write a check for $12,000 to the District 18 Republican Political Action Committee, an organization formed one week earlier by three now-former members of the Yankton County GOP’s executive board: Becker, Vice Chair Roger Meyer and State Committeeman Greg Adamson.

and..

Meyer further added that the legally defined scope of the PAC is to support Republican candidates, meaning the money will not be used to “go on vacation” or other superfluous activities.

Read that story here.

Of course, the current GOP Board didn’t like that. And so, they brought suit. Inexplicably, they hired an expert in Florida Probate Law, and the traditional GOP group that made up the defendants hired Joel Arends, who has litigated a number of politically involved cases successfully.

This afternoon in front of Judge Cheryl Gering, on behalf of the defendants, their attorney Joel Arends, argued that the courtroom was not the venue for the fight, arguing free speech on the former boards’ part, and that a court of law was not the venue to resolve and intraparty dispute.. to which the judge apparently agreed.

As I’m informed happened late this afternoon, I’m told the judge agreed, and dismissed the case, delivering a win to the defendants.

I hope to have my hands on the court decision in short order, but that’s what I’m getting through the grapevine tonight.

Word out of the Brookings GOP meeting this morning is that Matt Wagner, who had declared his candidacy for District 8 House for the open seat, has suspended his campaign for the office. This leaves incumbent Tim  Reisch, former Lake Co. Sheriff  Tim Walburg, and election truther Rick Weible competing for 2 seats in the Republican primary.

Also coming out of the meeting is that apparently former State Rep. Doug Posr announced he is running for a seat on the Brookings County Commission.

More to come.