Lawmakers Deny Improper Requests

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota House leaders have denied
asking legislative staff to reveal confidential information about
proposed bills being crafted by other lawmakers.
     The House leaders appeared at a hearing held by a special
subcommittee that was appointed to look into allegations that the
leaders had asked staff members to disclose information about bills
other lawmakers had asked be drafted by the staffers. Six
Republican lawmakers had questioned whether the leaders tried to
violate a policy that forbids legislative staffers from revealing
information about research requests or bills before they are
introduced.
     The leaders say they only asked the legislative staff to advise
lawmakers about constitutional flaws in their proposals that could
be embarrassing.
     The subcommittee made no findings at Tuesday's meeting, but will
submit a written report by early next week.