South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill this week that will require public boards and commissions to review the state’s open meetings laws every year.
“This bill will help ensure our public servants are educated about their important duties of service on public boards, commissions, or councils,” Rhoden said in a news release. “I will continue to set an example from the top of integrity and openness in public service.”
The bill requires the state attorney general to publish an explanation of the state’s open meetings laws each year before Jan. 1. It also requires public boards and commissions to annually review that explanation and any other materials pertaining to open meetings laws provided by the attorney general. The review of the materials must be noted in the body’s minutes.
Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, proposed the bill with the support of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association.
Rhoden has signed 16 bills into law this legislative session, which began last month and continues through mid-March. Lawmakers have introduced 544 total bills, resolutions and commemorations.
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