South Dakota state representatives have taken a step (Feb. 13, 2025) toward changing the requirements necessary to make amendments to the state constitution.
House members voted 60-9 to approve House Bill 1169, altering how constitutional amendments reach the ballot. The measure mandates petition gatherers to collect signatures in all 35 Senate districts, ensuring broader geographic representation in the amendment process.
Rep. Rebecca Reimer of Chamberlain supported the geographic diversity requirement. She said currently, “A handful of counties can decide what constitutional amendments go before voters.”
The House also voted in favor of tightening voter residency rules. House Bill 1066 passed on a 47-22 vote. The bill requires voters to maintain residence in South Dakota for 30 consecutive days where they “live and usually sleep” in order to vote in state elections.
Representatives rejected House Bill 1220, 33-36. The measure’s goal was to streamline the reporting of deceased voters.
Rep. Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre was one of those who opposed the bill because of concerns about regulatory complexity.
Comments