Gov. Noem’s “Evil Foreign Governments” Bill Goes into Effect July 1

Signs Executive Order 

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Noem’s “Evil Foreign Governments” bill, SB 189, will go into effect on July 1^st. The bill restricts state and local governments from contracting with six “Evil Foreign Governments.” The prime sponsors of this legislation were Sen. Jim Stalzer (R-11) and Rep. Tyler Tordsen (R-14).

“With this legislation, South Dakota will continue to be a beacon of Freedom to the rest of the nation,” said Governor Noem. “We are ensuring that our taxpayers’ dollars are not being used as revenue streams for Evil Foreign Governments. South Dakota will always put the security of our people first, and we will continue to preserve Freedom for generations to come.”

Governor Noem signed the bill in March at the 114^th Fighter Wing at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls. You can find photos from the bill signing event here.

Governor Noem also signed Executive Order 2023-10, which rescinds the following two Executive Orders:

• Executive Order 2004-06 established the Research and Commercialization Council to provide oversight for the division of research commercialization; and,
• Executive Order 2023-02 was signed by Governor Noem in January to restrict state and local governments from contracting with the following “Evil Foreign Governments:” the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Governor Noem also signed Executive Order 2023-06 in May to ban Tencent from state government devices and instruct the commissioner of the Bureau of Information Technologies to create a blacklist of other similarly dangerous applications to state security.

With the enactment of the “Evil Foreign Governments” bill, along with the continuing protection of Executive Order 2023-06, Executive Orders 2004-08 and 2023-02 are no longer necessary.

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National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Goes into Effect July 1

PIERRE, S.D. – The bill to provide 100% tuition reimbursement for members of the South Dakota National Guard attending college in-state, HB 1039, will go into effect on July 1^st.

“The members of the South Dakota National Guard are some of the strongest and bravest men and women in the country. They have proven that time and time again,” said Governor Noem. “They’re the kind of folks we want to stay in South Dakota to earn an education, participate in our booming economy, and raise a family. This new law will help them do just that.”

Governor Noem signed the 100% tuition reimbursement bill at the Range Road Armory in Rapid City. Photos from the bill signing event can be found here.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Judge Rejects Habeas Corpus Request on Infant Murder Conviction

PIERRE, S.D.—South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Circuit Court Judge has denied a habeas corpus request for Joseph Patterson, who was convicted in 2015 in the death of an infant.

Patterson claimed that he had received ineffective counsel. Circuit Court Judge John Pekas said Patterson did not meet the standard for such a claim.

“This defendant received a fair trial, was provided effective counsel, was convicted by a Lincoln County jury, and that verdict was upheld by the South Dakota Supreme Court,” said Attorney General Jackley.

Patterson was charged in the death of two-year-old Tyrese Ruffin. Patterson was convicted of Second Degree Murder, First Degree Manslaughter and Aggravated Battery of an Infant. He was sentenced to life in prison for the Second Degree Murder charge and 25 years in prison on the Aggravated Battery of an Infant charge.

The defendant in his habeas corpus motion also suggested that new scientific evidence about head trauma in children was not available at the time of the trial but should be considered now. The Judge concluded that there was no new scientific evidence that would have affected the suspect’s innocence.

This case was investigated by South Dakota Attorney General’s Office’s Division of Criminal Investigation and the Sioux Falls Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office and the Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office.

“The Attorney General’s Office, local law enforcement, and local prosecutors continue to be vigilant in dealing with child homicide cases,” said Attorney General Jackley. “We encourage parents and those entrusted with the care of children to report suspicious activity that may be harmful to children and to remember that all children are precious and need to be protected.”

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South Dakota Public Broadcasting has a story today revisiting a topic many had not brought to mind for a while, former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. In the story, the South Dakota State Bar Association is in a new battle with Ravnsborg as they seek to strip him of his license to practice law for 2 years:

The Disciplinary Board of the South Dakota State Bar wants the Supreme Court to suspend former-Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s law license for two years.

The board issued the recommendation on May 19, 2023, which was obtained by SDPB.

Ravnsborg was impeached and removed from office last year for his role in the death of a South Dakota pedestrian.

In a blunt assessment of Ravnsborg’s position as a lawyer in the state, the disciplinary board said Ravnsborg violated professional conduct standards and eroded public confidence in the legal profession.

The board wants Ravnsborg’s law license suspended for 26 months. The suspension would start retroactively back to June 21, 2022, which was the day the state Senate removed him from office.

Read the entire story here.

This action comes as Ravnsborg is in the process of securing employment.

SUMMIT CARBON SOLUTIONS CONTINUES TO BUILD SUPPORT ACROSS SOUTH DAKOTA

Securing 70% voluntary easements for the active route, the company is significantly contributing to the projected $6 billion annual economic impact of carbon capture in South Dakota.

AMES, Iowa (June 29, 2023) – Summit Carbon Solutions has reached a major milestone in voluntary easements, signing 70 percent of the route in South Dakota and project wide, while continuing to partner with more landowners every day. These partnerships represent an overwhelming majority of landowners who understand the company’s commitment to protecting the economic viability of key South Dakota industries through providing decarbonization solutions.

“We are proud to work with so many landowners who see the priority we are putting on farmers and their unique needs throughout the lifecycle of the pipeline.” said CEO Lee Blank. “We’re dedicated to favorable easements for landowners across the project, underscoring our mutual goal—a robust agricultural and ethanol industry.”

Summit Carbon Solutions is partnering with 34 Midwest ethanol plants, including eight in South Dakota, investing $800 million investment in South Dakota. The company’s success is because of the understanding it will:

• Enhance the ethanol industry, supporting plant workers, contractors, and farmers who sell their corn.
• Cultivate new markets in the upper Midwest.
• Uplift farmers through fair compensation, respectful land restoration, proper drain tile management and comprehensive indemnification.

These key project milestones come following the recent announcements of additional partners in Iowa and South Dakota, Absolute Energy and NuGen Energy. This project is set to boost the rural economy and strengthen national security and energy stability. South Dakota will play a pivotal role in that.

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About Summit Carbon Solutions: 

Summit Carbon Solutions is driving the future of agriculture by expanding economic opportunities for ethanol producers, strengthening the marketplace for Midwest-based farmers, and creating jobs. In developing the largest carbon capture and storage project in the world, the company seeks to connect industrial facilities via strategic infrastructure to store carbon dioxide safely and permanently in the Midwest United States. More information, visit: www.SummitCarbonSolutions.com. 

Attorney General Jackley Releases Draft Explanation For Proposed Constitutional Amendment On Amending, Repealing Ballot Measures

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released a draft ballot explanation for a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the State Legislature from amending or repealing ballot measures for seven years. The measure is proposed by Brian Bengs of Aberdeen.

The Attorney General takes no position on any such proposal. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to help assist the voters.

This proposed constitutional amendment states that a ballot measure approved by the voters may not be amended or repealed by the Legislature for seven years from the date the measure is enacted. The ballot explanation can be found here.

Ltr. MJJ to Johnson Const Amend Prohibit Legis Repeal or Change Initiated Measure. Darft 6.28.2023 by Pat Powers on Scribd

State law requires the Attorney General draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General’s explanation is meant to be an “objective, clear, and simple summary” intended to “educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed” measure, as well as identify the “legal consequences” of each measure.

Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed today (Wednesday, June 28), and the deadline for comments on this explanation is July 8, 2023, at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on July 18, 2023.

The draft amendment would require 35,017 valid petition signatures to qualify for the 2024 general election ballot.

To file written comments on a draft Attorney General’s explanation please use one of the following methods below. Copies of all received comments will be posted on this website.

Comments may be submitted via mail, or through hand delivery, to the Attorney General’s Office at:

Office of the Attorney General
Ballot Comment
1302 E. Hwy. 14, Suite 1
Pierre, SD 57501

Comments that are hand delivered must be received by the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota, by July 18, 2023. Comments that are mailed must be received by the Attorney General’s Office before the deadline expires to be accepted.

Comments may also be emailed to ATGballotcomments@state.sd.us by July 18, 2023. Comments should be clearly expressed in the body of the email. The Attorney General’s Office will not open attachments in an effort to prevent malware or other digital threats. Please include your name and contact information when submitting your comment. The title of the comment must be included in the subject line of the email.

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The Start of a New (Fiscal) Year

MADISON–The South Dakota Legislature covered a lot of issues in the 2023 Session. Everything from abandoned mobile homes to truancy to golf carts to tax cuts. This week, we are on the eve of the Legislature’s hard work taking effect on July 1 as well as the start of the new fiscal year for South Dakota. Here’s a look at some of the most impactful policies taking effect.

Lower Taxes. The Tax Foundation stated that South Dakota taxed its people the fourth lowest per capita in FY2021. For 2022, the Tax Foundation ranked South Dakota as the second-best business tax climate in the country. News will be even better for 2023. The Legislature passed the largest tax cut in the state’s history this year, which will save taxpayers an estimated $500 million in the next four years. The good news doesn’t stop there though, another $18 million dollars annually in taxes on business owners was cut from the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Both of these tax cuts return the money to where it belongs, the pocket of South Dakotans.

Education: One of my top priorities in 2023 was to make college and technical school more affordable for South Dakota kids. We delivered on this promise with a tuition freeze that will result in one of the best investments in workforce development and the sustainability of South Dakota’s economy. We are helping students reduce debt and fight Biden’s inflation, while giving our children and grandchildren the best opportunities to succeed. This year members of the South Dakota National Guard will also receive 100 percent tuition reimbursement to attend our public universities. This is long overdue to help those that have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

Public Safety: The state has the responsibility to protect the people of South Dakota. With our truth in sentencing bill, victims of violent crimes will know that their attackers will serve the time that the judge sentences. Violent criminals belong behind bars and starting in July they will stay there.

Election Integrity: South Dakota will now have the gold standard when it comes to election laws. A total of nine bills that focused on absentee voting, voter roll cleanup, ballot tabulation testing and post-election audits were passed through the legislature. Voters can have confidence that South Dakota’s elections are secure when elections are held in 2024.

Looking ahead to the 2024 session, legislators are already working on county funding, long-term healthcare sustainability, education reform, and greater economic freedoms. There are big challenges to tackle, but I’m confident that South Dakota’s best days lie ahead.

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Rounds Joins Markey, Cruz and Colleagues on Bicameral, Bipartisan Legislation to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and 17 of their Senate colleagues on the AM for Every Vehicle Act. This bicameral and bipartisan legislation would direct federal regulators to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.

“Free AM broadcast radio has been an important resource for decades,” said Rounds. “Whether someone is in their car or tractor, AM radio is a valuable tool to share local news and emergency information. I grew up listening to KCCR on 1240 and KGFX on 1060, especially when I delivered newspapers throughout the Pierre area. It made the time go by quick! I am pleased to join Senators Markey and Cruz on this bipartisan legislation so our future generations have access to this free, key resource, especially in our rural areas across South Dakota.”

“For decades, free AM broadcast radio has been an essential tool in emergencies, a crucial part of our diverse media ecosystem, and an irreplaceable source for news, weather, sports, and entertainment for tens of millions of listeners,” said Markey. “Carmakers shouldn’t tune out AM radio in new vehicles or put it behind a costly digital paywall. I am proud to introduce the AM for Every Vehicle Act to ensure that this resilient and popular communication tool does not become a relic of the past.”

“Each day, millions of Americans turn to AM radio to stay up to date on life in their community, engage on the issues they care about, or to be simply entertained during rush hour,” said Cruz. “AM radio is a critical bulwark for democracy, providing a platform for alternative viewpoints and the ability for elected officials to share our efforts with our constituents. Congress should act swiftly to pass this bill so Americans retain access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts on the public airwaves. I’m glad to work with Senator Markey on this bipartisan legislation to ensure carmakers do not limit Texans’ access to radio in their vehicles.”

Specifically, the AM for Every Vehicle Act would:

• Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee or surcharge.
• Require any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA regulation to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio.
• Direct the Government Accountability Office to study whether alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies.

This legislation was also cosponsored by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.).

The AM for Every Vehicle Act is endorsed by the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters.

Click HERE for full bill text.

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Gov. Noem’s Pro-Family Bills Go into Effect July 1

PIERRE, S.D. – Several bills that strengthen families in South Dakota will go into effect on July 1st.

“South Dakota will continue to strengthen families and promote life,” said Governor Noem. “We are making it easier for South Dakotans to start and build their families, regardless of their circumstances. My message to South Dakotans is this: whatever your family looks like, make sure it is a strong family.”

Governor Noem’s pregnancy expenses bill, SB 75, provides for all pregnancy expenses to be covered by both parents. The prime sponsors of this legislation were Sen. David Wheeler (R-22) and Rep. Mike Stevens (R-18).

Governor Noem also proposed in her budget that state employees receive a new benefit to cover up to $25,000 in domestic adoption costs.

Governor Noem and the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration have also updated state employee benefits to expand Paid Family Leave opportunities for state employees.

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The South Dakota Searchlight website has an editorial from yesterday noting the problems with legislative term limits, and why they’ve literally been one of the worst things to ever happen to the South Dakota legislature. And why limiting them even further is not going to make a better legislative body for South Dakotans:

There are only so many people in the state who love policy-making enough to leave their families and businesses to spend the winter commuting back and forth to Pierre. Artificially limiting that pool of candidates by kicking seasoned, veteran lawmakers out of office is not the way to ensure good government.

and..

Let’s hope that those voters look past the “term limits” heading on Hoffman’s petition and consider the ramifications of giving bureaucrats and lobbyists the upper hand over a body that’s supposed to be doing the people’s business. Good candidates are hard to find. We shouldn’t be showing them the door just because they have the temerity to keep winning elections.

Read the entire editorial here.