State lays down the law, kids must attend kindergarten

The Associated Press

A new law requiring South Dakota children to attend kindergarten before first grade takes effect this year.

Jun 02, 2010 | 8:15 am | (7) Comments

Former state senator settles sexual battery lawsuit brought by page

The Associated Press

FORT PIERRE -- A former legislative page's sexual battery lawsuit against former state Sen. Dan Sutton has been settled after almost four years in court.

May 22, 2010 | 9:00 am | (2) Comments

Lawmakers ax summer studies to save money

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- As part of an effort to cut state spending, South Dakota lawmakers will not appoint any summer study committees this year.

Apr 19, 2010 | 1:28 pm | (1) Comments

Lawmakers' study topics to be decided

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- The Legislative Research Council's executive board meets Monday to choose topics to be studied by interim legislative committees this summer.

Apr 19, 2010 | 7:00 am | (0) Comments

Rounds signs budget bill into law

Journal staff

PIERRE -- Gov. Mike Rounds signed the budget bill into law Monday.

Apr 12, 2010 | 12:31 pm | (0) Comments

Playhouse lawsuit "dormant" as theater looks to future

Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal staff

Despite a legislative bill extending the Black Hill Playhouse's lease with the state, a lawsuit between the parties remains in legal limbo.

Apr 11, 2010 | 9:00 pm | (0) Comments

• Related: Taking the show on the road

Officials: Tax law may hurt pipeline project

Melanie Brandert Mitchell Daily Republic

COLOME -- A new law signed recently that reduces tax refunds for major business projects is causing concern among Tripp County officials that the change could prompt TransCanada to move a pump station for its Keystone XL pipeline out of state.

Apr 10, 2010 | 1:30 pm | (0) Comments

Governor signs Iran divestment bill

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- Gov. Mike Rounds has signed into law a bill barring the investment of state tax dollars and pension funds in certain oil companies that do business in Iran.

Apr 05, 2010 | 11:30 am | (2) Comments

Hill City rancher announces for District 30

Journal staff

Calling himself a “Reagan Republican,” Hill City rancher George Ferebee has announced his candidacy for the South Dakota Senate from District 30.

Apr 03, 2010 | 10:30 pm | (0) Comments

GOP runs more candidates for S.D. legislative races

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- South Dakota Republicans have started the battle for control of the Legislature with an advantage over Democrats.

Apr 02, 2010 | 2:45 pm | (0) Comments

Activists fear cuts will mean increase in smokers

Lynn Taylor Rick Journal staff

Cuts to the state's anti-smoking program will cost South Dakota more in health care expenses in the long run, according to anti-smoking activists.

Apr 02, 2010 | 2:16 pm | (5) Comments

Regents want more time to study budget cuts

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- The South Dakota Board of Regents has delayed a decision on college tuition and fee increases next year.

Apr 01, 2010 | 11:15 am | (0) Comments

Regents to review proposed program cuts

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- South Dakota's Board of Regents on Wednesday planned to discuss a report that recommends ending 37 programs and 109 specializations within majors at the state's six public universities.

Mar 31, 2010 | 8:15 am | (0) Comments

Lawmakers reach deal on budget, using some cuts

Chet Brokaw The Associated Press

PIERRE -- South Dakota lawmakers voted mostly along party lines Tuesday to use a combination of spending cuts and one-time transfers from various accounts to balance next year's state budget.

Mar 31, 2010 | 6:29 am | (0) Comments

State lawmakers reach deal on state budget

Chet Brokaw, Associated Press Writer

PIERRE -- The South Dakota Legislature's appropriations committee voted along party lines Tuesday to use a combination of spending cuts and one-time transfers from various accounts to balance next year's state budget.

Mar 30, 2010 | 9:00 am | (0) Comments

• Related: How the budget was balanced

Lawmakers refuse Gordon Howie's health care protest bill

The Associated Press

PIERRE -- Lawmakers on Monday chose not to reconsider a bill by Republican gubernatorial candidate Gordon Howie that sought to nullify certain federal health care laws within the state of South Dakota.

Mar 30, 2010 | 6:00 am | (16) Comments

Jewish lawmakers observe Passover on veto day

Mary Garrigan, Journal staff

Three Jewish legislators mixed religion and politics on veto day at the South Dakota Legislature on Monday.

Mar 29, 2010 | 11:30 pm | (1) Comments

Lawmakers override Rounds' veto on Black Hills Playhouse lease

Journal staff

The Black Hills Playhouse will stay in Custer State Park, at least for the next two years.

Mar 29, 2010 | 3:45 pm | (7) Comments

Lawmakers override wind project tax refund veto

Dirk Lammers The Associated Press

PIERRE -- A bill modifying South Dakota's tax refund program for wind farm development will become law despite Gov. Mike Rounds' veto.

Mar 29, 2010 | 3:00 pm | (0) Comments