May 24, 2013 •
South Dakota Governor to Call Special Session
Late June date expected
Governor Dennis Daugaard is preparing to call a special session of the Legislature. The Governor gave notice to state lawmakers of his plans citing developments with the construction of a new State Veterans Home in Hot Springs. Lawmakers approved funding for the project during the regular session, but the lowest bid is more than $10 million more than the appropriated amount.
The special session is expected to be called for late June and last no longer than a day.
Photo of Gov. Dennis Daugaard by Otis 1000 on Wikipedia.
March 21, 2012 •
South Dakota Bill to Recognize Electronic Filing for Lobbyists
Secretary of State’s online system already up and running
Governor Dennis Daugaard has signed House Bill 1196. The bill amends the lobbyist reporting requirements to reflect the secretary of state’s electronic filing capabilities.
The employer authorization and lobbyist expense report may be submitted in writing or electronically. The completed reports are open to public inspection and will no longer need to be notarized before filing.
Although the bill has an effective date of July 1, 2012, the EZ Lobby system is already accessible at the secretary of state’s website.
The site allows lobbyists and their employers to register, pay fees, update information, and report expenses electronically. Paper forms are still available for lobbyists who chose to register by mail.
October 24, 2011 •
Special Sessions Update
Maryland and South Dakota
MARYLAND: The Maryland General Assembly adjourned the special session to approve a congressional redistricting plan on October 20.
SOUTH DAKOTA: State lawmakers convened a special session on Monday, October 24. The purpose of the special session was to redraw the boundaries of the state’s voting districts.
Politically active corporations gain another tool.
Senate Bill 39 has been signed by Governor Daugaard and will take effect July 1, 2011.
This law will allow corporations to make contributions to political action committees, contributions previously banned by state campaign finance law.
Under this bill, however, corporate contributions to candidates, candidate committees, or political parties are still prohibited.
Photo of Governor Daugaard courtesy of the South Dakota Governor website.
February 18, 2011 •
South Dakota Bill Would Ease Ban on Corporate Contributions
A campaign finance bill has been introduced in the state senate to allow corporate contributions to PACs.
Currently, corporations are prohibited from any campaign activity other than those contributions allowed by the U.S. Supreme Court in its “Citizens United” decision.
Corporations would still be forbidden from contributing to a candidate committee or political party committee.
South Dakota seal from an image of the state flag by Denelson83 on Wikipedia.
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