Panel Clears SD Legislative Leaders Of Misconduct

PIERRE, SD - A legislative panel has cleared South Dakota House leaders of allegations that they asked the Legislature's staff to reveal confidential information about proposed bills being prepared for other lawmakers.

The Legislature's Executive Board voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a subcommittee report that found no credible evidence to support the allegations. The report says the claims have no merit.

Six Republican legislators had questioned whether three top GOP House leaders had sought to violate a policy that forbids legislative staff from revealing information about research requests or bills before they are introduced or made public.

The leaders said they had only asked that legislative staff members advise lawmakers of possible constitutional problems or other flaws in proposals that could embarrass the Legislature.