PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — An attempt to define collusion and provide a reporting process in the procurement process died in a House committee this morning (Feb. 12, 2024).
The House State Affairs Committee sent HB1172 to the 41st day on a 12 to 1 vote, killing the measure.
The measure’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Chris Karr from Sioux Falls, had expressed concerns about how Republican Gov. Kristi Noem’s “Freedom Works Here” TV ads were awarded to Go West Media.
Karr said his research into collusion between the state and a vendor led him to look at how other states handle the issue. He testified that he does not believe current South Dakota laws adequately address the issue.
The Noem administration opposed the bill, sending Greg Engler from the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration to swat it down.
Engler said there are adequate safeguards to investigate and pursue misconduct in the contracting process.
One committee member wanted to know if the bill was retroactive or only applicable to future contracts.
Karr deferred answering. Engler, the bureau’s legal director, said it was his view that the bill, if passed, would only apply to future requests for proposals.
Sending bills to the 41st legislative day is the primary means of how committees kill bills. There are only 38 days in the current legislative session.
By Todd Epp, South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
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