South Dakota's Referred Law 21, a contentious measure on the November 2024 ballot, has divided major agricultural organizations. The South Dakota Corn Growers Association supports the law, while the South Dakota Farmers Union opposes it. The law, part of a broader legislative package, aims to regulate carbon pipelines and provide landowner protections. Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed pipeline, which would transport CO2 emissions from ethanol plants to North Dakota, is central to the debate. Proponents argue the law offers necessary protections and economic benefits, while opponents fear it undermines local control. The outcome of the vote could significantly impact the future of carbon pipeline projects in the region.

Donald Trump is in the process of selecting a vice presidential nominee, with several potential candidates being considered, including JD Vance, Kristi Noem, and Elise Stefanik. The selection process is likened to a reality TV show, with candidates vying for Trump's favor through public appearances and endorsements. Trump is expected to announce his choice before the Republican National Convention. The article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of various candidates, as well as the political dynamics within the Republican Party.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed the 'Landowner Bill of Rights' into law, a legislative package aimed at protecting landowners while facilitating economic development projects. The laws provide financial compensation and protections for landowners, tax benefits to counties, and maintain local input with the state Public Utilities Commission having final permit approval authority. The legislation has received support from various agricultural groups, including the South Dakota Farm Bureau, Corn Growers Association, and Soybean Association, who praised the bills for delivering landowner protections and property tax relief. The Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project is expected to move forward, creating demand for corn and supporting ethanol production. The laws set a new standard for other states to follow, ensuring a balance between economic growth and landowner rights.

South Dakota's Republican-controlled Legislature approved a bill to create a video clarifying the state's abortion laws, aiming to provide guidance to healthcare providers and the public. The video, to be produced by the Department of Health in consultation with legal and medical experts, seeks to clarify when healthcare providers can legally intervene to save a mother's life. The bill, supported by Sanford Health and various right-to-life groups, faces criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota for not addressing the vagueness of existing statutes. The initiative, with a budget of $50,000, is intended to combat misinformation and will be accessible online.

The South Dakota Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion on February 9, 2024, clarifying the scope of Article III, Section 12, regarding conflicts of interest for state government employees and legislators. Attorney General Marty Jackley appreciated the Court's guidance for future enforcement of conflict of interest laws. The opinion was in response to Governor Kristi Noem's request for clarity on constitutional restrictions for legislators contracting with the state, which included nine specific questions. The advisory opinion will assist various state authorities, including the Governor, Legislature, Auditor, and Attorney General. The Supreme Court had previously heard oral arguments on January 8, 2024, and the Governor's request was supported by key legislative figures.

South Dakota's Senate State Affairs Committee passed a resolution to allow voters to decide on a work requirement for Medicaid expansion. Proponents, led by Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen, argue that the measure would provide flexibility for future federal and state approval. Opponents, including AARP South Dakota, contend that voters were adequately informed in 2022 and that work requirements are ineffective and bureaucratic. The resolution now moves to the Senate floor and could appear on the 2024 ballot if approved by the legislature.

A bill to make a temporary sales tax cut permanent in South Dakota faced a setback when Senate budget writers tabled the measure. Despite this, the issue remains alive as the Republican-led House had passed the bill with a significant majority. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Chris Karr, and Gov. Kristi Noem support the permanent tax cut, citing a healthy state economy. Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree and other conservative members express caution, preferring to keep the temporary cut. The House remains supportive of the permanent cut, with discussions ongoing about the state's financial obligations and potential future legislation.

A South Dakota Senate committee has passed SB39, a bill that prevents homeowner associations from banning firearms and ammunition, with an 8 to 1 vote. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Michael Rohl, will be amended to include plats from banning firearms. Senate Majority Leader Lee Schoenbeck plans to offer this amendment. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Reynold Nesiba, who cast the sole 'no' vote, raised concerns about balancing property rights with the right to bear arms. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

A South Dakota House committee tabled a bill that would have mandated all 11th graders in the state to take the ACT, a college entrance test. The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen, requested the tabling after Secretary of Education Joseph Graves announced the department's plan to switch from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Test to the ACT in the 2025-2026 school year. Graves noted that while the ACT is more relevant to students, statewide scores may decline as a result. Lobbyist Debbie Pease opposed the bill, citing concerns over parental rights. The committee unanimously voted to table the bill.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee, stating that the state can only slow the influx of drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl, which are entering from the border. He highlighted the seizure of enough fentanyl to lethally overdose the state's population multiple times. Jackley also raised concerns about child pornographers using artificial intelligence to create 'deep fakes' from children's photos and videos on social media, indicating a need to revise child pornography laws.