This bill clarifies the language in South Dakota's condemnation law (used when the government takes private property) to make it mandatory, not optional, that courts award attorney fees and expert witness costs to property owners when they win significantly more than the government's final offer. The change replaces permissive language ("may") with mandatory language ("must") and updates references to ensure courts clearly understand their obligations in these cases.
Commerce and Energy Deferred to the 41st legislative day Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 3.
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Commerce and Energy S.J. 297
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 61, NAYS 3. H.J. 296
House of Representatives Deferred to another day H.J. 284
Commerce and Energy Do Pass Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 3.
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
First read in House and referred to House Commerce and Energy H.J. 197
Erin Tobin
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Karla Lems
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Commerce and Energy — Deferred to the 41st legislative day
Do Pass
Commerce and Energy — Do Pass