South Dakota state representatives have voted 57-11 to pause impeachment proceedings against state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg until after a criminal court case is complete.
House Resolution 7001 originally contained two Articles of Impeachment against Ravnsborg, but was amended last week to say after a conviction, plea or acquittal, the House of Representatives “may evaluate whether articles of impeachment against Jason Ravnsborg, Attorney General of the State of South Dakota, are necessary and proceed accordingly.”
Through a spokesperson, Ravnsborg released this statement in response to the House passing HR7001: “The House’s action today will allow the legal system to proceed without further interference and with due process. I have cooperated fully with investigators and law enforcement in this matter and look forward to its resolution. I will continue to work every day for the people of South Dakota.”
On February 25, 2021, the Sixth Circuit Court issued an order precluding disclosure of criminal investigation information after Governor Kristi Noem’s release of evidence regarding the criminal charges in The State of South Dakota V. Jason Ravnsborg. The order stops Noem and all members of state government from releasing any evidence relating to the criminal case connected to Ravnsborg’s involvement in the September death of Joseph Boever in Hyde County.
House republican party Leader Kent Peterson (Salem, District 19) says he thinks it’s clear Judge Brown’s intent was to honor the right to due process and a premature public proceeding might hinder that.
House democratic party Leader Jamie Smith (Sioux Falls, District 15) says it’s important the legislature proceed with the impeachment of Jason Ravnsborg, but they need to allow the courts to do their job as well.
The Legislature would need to convene a special session to take up matters of impeachment, which would require 2/3 of the members of both chambers to agree. Noem has said she wouldn’t call a special session to handle impeachment proceedings.
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