Flags at Half-Staff Statewide in Honor of Chief Deputy Ken Prorok

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sunset on Thursday February 8, 2024, in honor of Moody County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, who was killed in the line of duty on February 2.

“We are grateful for the life and service of Chief Deputy Prorok – he is a true hero,” said Governor Noem. “My prayers are with Chief Deputy Prorok’s family, friends, and the entire community.”

Visitation for Chief Deputy Prorok will be from 5:00-8:00pm CT on Wednesday February 7 at the Chester Area High School Gymnasium (101 2^nd Ave, Chester, SD, 57016). Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm CT on Thursday February 8 at Dakota Prairie Playhouse (1205 Washing Ave N, Madison, SD, 57042).

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I’ve been keeping an eye on the campaign finance reports filed with the Seretary of State’s office in their reporting system. And it appears that the SOS office is listing some noteworthy reports that seem to be missing that were supposed to be filed on on JANUARY 26, 2024 for the Year End reports that were due.

According to information on the Secretary of State’s website, Statewide candidates owed the SOS the 2023 Year-end report, as well as statewide political parties (not county parties), Statewide PAC’s, and Statewide Ballot Question committees.  All should have had their reports in by now.. and their website list a few that they say have not met that benchmark.  So, who ended up on Secretary of State Monae’s Johnson’s naughty list as of this morning as not having submitted their reports yet?

Former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has a double hit of being on the list. Once for his PAC $99 for Freedom, and once for his Statewide Candidate Committee Jason for South Dakota. Dude.. get your reports in. You seriously don’t need more bad press.

Travis Ismay, sponsor of the “An Initiated Measure Repealing South Dakota’s Medical Marijuana Program,” – the measure that the SOS may have screwed up in approving the petition, obviously hasn’t counted his lucky stars, because his ballot question committee has yet to file their ballot question committee campaign finance statement.

Former legislative candidate, and now chair of SD Gun Owners Michael Boyle seems to be missing the latest SDSOS Campaign Finance report.  Which, you would think should bar a group from sending out flourescent postcards in the next primary if they can’t file their campaign report. There ought to be a law…

Gideon Oakes over at the Libertarian Party should know better, but his party group is listed as not having their report in.  Libertarians must believe as much in not filing reports as they do in not winning elections.

South Dakota State Representative Jon Hansen counts among his various soapboxes the Life Defense Fund, but running an organization must not be his strong suit, as this ballot question committee is on Monae Johnson’s naughty list under the “not submitted” status.

Joe Kirby and De Knudson might want Open Primaries, but they don’t seem to have opened their books for their ballot committee on a timely basis, as the SOS also has them on the tardy list for not filing their report by January 26. 

State Rep. Peri Pourier didn’t file her Strengthening Common Ground PAC.  And while State Rep. Liz May might claim to have conservative principles, filing a timely report for her Conservative Principles PAC would not seem to be included among them.

And finally, the Adam Broin/Dave Roetman group Ripple Effect had been on the “didn’t file your PAC” list at about the time of the deadline, but then mysteriously disappeared. A review of their organizational landing page on the Secretary of State’s website seems to show no record for a report having been filed.  So… are they tardy, or aren’t they a week-and-a-half after the deadline?

We’ll keep watching the report filings.

 

(Update)

Jon Hansen sends a note this afternoon indicating that the report for the Life Defense Fund has actually been filed. Which if that’s the case, makes you wonder what’s going on with the records being provided to the public by the SOS, since this is 11 days past the filing deadline?

Now we’ll really keep watching.

Bah. The entertainment ends all too soon.

For all his bluster about how people were liberals and RINO’s, it didn’t take much for Aberdeen based congressional explorer Toby Doeden to duck out of a race against Congressman Dusty Johnson.  According to a fairly quiet story out this AM on the Dakota Scout website…

Toby Doeden’s consideration of a bid for Congress will not materialize to an official run for the office in 2024.

The Aberdeen native confirmed to The Dakota Scout Tuesday that he has decided against doing so after having formed an exploratory committee in January.

Instead, Doeden says, he intends to get more involved in politics on the other side of things — campaigning and fundraising for more candidates with “conservative values.”

Read the story here.

I notice he STILL doesn’t talk about being Republican, because as evidenced from earlier posts here at the SDWC, we poked holes in that pretty quickly by showing that he hasn’t voted in a Republican Primary over the past 20 years.

I’m a little surprised that the hot air balloon that was this campaign deflated so quickly after this public record poked a hole in it.

But so it goes.

Darn it. I didn’t even have a chance to use some of the other material I’d gathered.  And what am I going to do with those buttons?

Moving on…

(I meant to get this posted this weekend, but unfortunately, a bad gas-station sandwich along the route left me a bit under the weather when I returned to Brookings from Spearfish Sunday night. – pp)

State Representative Mike Derby has opened an official re-election headquarters for his race to return representing District 34 in the State Legislature. You can find it at 520 Kansas City Street in Rapid City. Check it out!

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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From the Argus Leader, a new legislative measure – House Bill 1198 – to move three of the races being selected at political party conventions to a statewide ballot moved forward on the testimony of legislators and former candidates for office arguing that nominating for some of the offices was bigger than just who could be convinced to go to the convention, according to the Argus Leader:

“I also believe that these positions are still too important to just let a couple hundred people decide and looking at our state motto that ‘under God, people rule,’ should guide us in this decision,” Tordsen said.

Former Attorney General Mark Barnett said while he had benefited from the convention nomination process, he felt that the fairest election was the one he lost when he ran in a primary against Mike Rounds in 2002 for governor.

“The reason I say it was the fairest was because it was a primary and it was all voting Republicans, not just a sum of the Republicans that I could convince to run for delegate,” he said.

Read the entire story here.

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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