Voters might be asked about changes in state drug laws

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has released summaries of two ballot measures that could change the way law enforcement handles illegal drug possession and ingestion cases in South Dakota.

The measures would make ingesting a controlled substance a petty offense instead of a felony and possession of a controlled substance a class one misdemeanor. Voters may have a chance to vote on the ballot measures in the 2022 election.

The Attorney General’s office must issue a clear summary of the proposed legislation before petitions are put together, according to state law.

September 13, 2021