South Dakota House passes bill that would allow removal of signatures from initiated measure petitions

The South Dakota House passes a bill that would allow signers of an initiated measure petition to have that signature removed.

HB1244 passed 59 -9.

Republican Representative Jon Hanson of Dell Rapids says he has received reports of pro-choice constitutional amendment circulators misrepresenting the measure. Hanson says people told him they want to withdraw their signatures. He says the bill would apply to all citizen-initiated measures.

Democratic Representative Erin Healy of Sioux Falls is opposed. She says in Utah, which has a similar law, there was a concerted effort to remove legitimate signatures from petitions.

Republican Rep. Ernie Otten of Tea says voters must take responsibility and carefully read petitions before signing.

The measure now moves to the Senate.

Dakotans for Health is threatening legal action if the bill becomes law. They say it goes too far by allowing signatures to be withdrawn even after petitions are validated.

February 21, 2024