The South Dakota Legislature failed to override Governor Larry Rhoden’s veto of House Bill 1169, which would have changed the process for citizens to propose amendments to the state constitution. The bill required petition signatures from all 35 state Senate districts, garnering at least 5% of the votes cast for governor in each district. Despite the House voting 50-18 to override the veto, the Senate deadlocked 16-16, resulting in the governor’s veto being sustained. Supporters argued the bill would give rural areas a voice, while opponents raised concerns about its constitutionality and fairness. The bill sparked intense debate between lawmakers representing rural and urban areas. The governor vetoed the bill on March 28, stating concerns about its constitutionality. The Senate’s tie vote ultimately upheld the veto. House Bill 1169 will not become law as today marks the 38th and final day of the 2025 South Dakota Legislative session. Governor Rhoden’s veto remains in place, preventing changes to the petition process for state constitutional amendments.
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