Lawmakers are advancing a measure aiming to limit the executive branch’s ability to enter long-term leases.
The South Dakota House unanimously sent SB 145 to Gov. Larry Rhoden’s desk.
It requires legislative approval for major lease contracts. These include contracts more than 15 years, exceed $5 million over the life of the lease or cost more than $50,000 per month.
This comes after concern over the cost of “One Stop” state office buildings in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The Dakota Scout reports those leases added up to over $9 million a year in rent over a 30-year lease contract.
The measure is one of several transparency measures being carried by Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, SDBA reports. Others regulating different executive branch agencies will appear on the House floor soon.