PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — The House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday granting the Government Operations and Audit Committee (GOAC) expanded subpoena powers, removing a requirement for the Legislature’s Executive Board approval.
House Bill 1204, introduced by Rep. Julie Auch, R-Yankton, passed a narrow margin of 36-34 after a spirited debate on the House floor.
The legislation amends existing law by eliminating the requirement that the Executive Board ratify GOAC subpoenas.
“GOAC specifically is for the purpose of inquiry and review of any phase of the operation,” Auch said. “To investigate, to make sure that our government is running legitimately and to make sure that the dollars that are entrusted to our care by the South Dakota taxpayers are being spent responsibly.”
Supporters argued the current process creates unnecessary delays in investigations that could compromise the committee’s oversight responsibilities.
“We just had a debate about transparency. We just had a debate about efficiency,” Auch said in closing. “Why are you so afraid to give Government Operations and Audit Committee, if you are, why would you be afraid to give them subpoena power? Aren’t you in search of the truth?”
Opponents, including Rep. Rebecca Reimer, R-Chamberlain, expressed concerns about removing a layer of oversight.
“I think and believe that the legislature needs to be a strong voice and unified when we’re making these decisions,” Reimer said. “The eBoard, from my experience just this past summer, the eBoard, when we were called to vote on this, it took, I think, a three-day turnaround time.”
Rep. Phil Jensen, R-Rapid City, referenced past attempts to investigate millions of missing funds for Native American education.
“I’m telling you, there needs to be that power,” he said. “There needs to be that subpoena power, or we will continue for another decade or two to rank in the top three of most corrupt state governments.”
GOAC consists of legislators tasked with investigating state government operations and expenditures. The committee has to receive approval from the Executive Board before issuing subpoenas.
The bill now advances to the Senate. If signed into law, the new subpoena authority would take effect July 1.
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