Gov. Larry Rhoden vetoes a bill changing the petition gathering process for constitutional amendments.
It would have required a certain number of signatures to be gathered from each legislative district.
Rhoden said though it had “a worthy goal” he’s concerned it wouldn’t hold up in court.
Matthew Schweich is the President of Voter Defense Association and part of a group who urged a veto on the bill. He called the move a win for South Dakota voters.
“The initiated amendment process changes the constitution for all of the people of South Dakota. It doesn’t change it for one Senate district or another," Schweich said. "And so, when you’re making decisions that affect everyone within the state it’s important that every step of the process reflect that. That’s what we have now and what we’re trying to preserve."
He added the Anti-HB 1169 group, consisting of the Voter Defense Association, the League of Women Voters, former Democrat Sen. Reynold Nesiba and current Republican Sen. Michael Rohl, is happy with the outcome.
“You never know how a governor will decide a veto. But we were hopeful that he would make this decision, and we thank him for making a great decision for HB 1169," Schweich said. "And he’s clearly chosen to defend the will of the people and defend the Constitutional ballot initiative rights of voters in South Dakota."
Lawmakers meet March 31 for Veto Day. A two-third majority vote in both chambers is needed to override the veto.
HB 1169 had strong support in the House but only passed by 4 votes in the Senate.
It’s the second veto of the session.
