(Pierre) — Lawmakers in Pierre are considering impeaching South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg.

The Articles of Impeachment process would need to begin in the House of Representatives by the end of the week.

House members have been privately discussing impeachment since last Thursday when Hyde County authorities announced the filing of three misdemeanor charges against Ravnsborg in connection with a September 2020 fatal crash near Highmore.

Impeachment would require a majority of the 70 member house to vote for impeachment. A trial in the State Senate would follow before South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem could appoint a successor to serve the balance of his term which expires in 2022.

The South Dakota House has never before voted to impeach a constitutional officer.

A spokesperson for Ravnsborg said immediately after the charges were announced that the Attorney General will not resign from office.

Story by Patrick Callahan, South Dakota Broadcasters Assoc.

Feb. 22, 2021