By Todd Epp, South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A House committee defeats a bill this morning (Jan. 22, 2024) that would have required legislators to take a class on the state and federal constitutions.
The House State Affairs Committee voted 11 to 2 to send HB1111 to the 41st legislative day, killing the measure.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Carl Perry from Aberdeen, said, “It is essential for legislators to know our rights. What our democracy is and that it is a constitutional republic. We can help legislators be more responsible.”
Several legislators on the committee said they liked the idea but thought the class could be taught without passing a law, or a legislator could volunteer to teach the classes after session.
Republican Rep. Rocky Blare from Ideal said, “I don’t want this to be a political thing, and then we’re pointing fingers,” if a legislator doesn’t attend, but they’ve studied the constitutions.
During the proponents’ time, there was a kerfuffle between a citizen and the chair, Republican Rep. Will Mortenson from Fort Pierre.
Rick Weible from Elkton started his testimony by saying legislators violated his First Amendment rights in a hearing last week.
Mortenson cut him off.
“You can’t come in here and insult this institution,” Mortenson said.
Weible then settled down and testified in favor of the bill.
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