PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota House passes a bill this afternoon (Monday) that would give the Government Operations and Audit Committee subpoena power.
GOAC has been involved in several high-profile investigations over the years
These have included the EB-5 visa program under Governors Mike Rounds and Dennis Daugaard, Gov. Kristi Noem’s intervention in her daughter’s appraisal license application, and the Gear Up program that was supposed to assist Native American students in getting ready for college.
Currently, the legislature’s Executive Board has to approve any subpoenas.
Proponents said this has slowed down the investigative process.
Opponents said the measure is not needed.
They say GOAC has requested few subpoenas in recent years, and the E-Board has always quickly approved their requests.
House Bill 1001 passed on a 39 to 31 vote.
The measure now heads to a Senate Committee for consideration.
