S.D. Attorney General Explanation for Initiative Measure Relating to Maximum Finance Charges Upheld
PIERRE, S.D.- Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today Circuit Judge Kathleen Trandahl has denied the request to have the Attorney General’s Office rewrite the explanation for the initiated measure relating to maximum finance charges for certain lenders. Opponents of the measure recently challenged the explanation in court. Judge Trandahl rejected their arguments and held that Jackley’s explanation was proper.
“Pursuant to South Dakota law, I have worked to provide a fair, clear, and simple summary of the proposed measure in order to assist our voters. The Court has reaffirmed the fairness of this process,” said Jackley.
Under South Dakota law, the Attorney General is responsible for preparing explanations for proposed initiated measures, referred laws, and South Dakota Constitutional Amendments. Specifically, the explanation includes a title, an objective, clear and simple summary of the purpose and effect of the proposed measure and a description of the legal consequences.
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