This bill protects South Dakota landowners from deceptive or aggressive tactics when companies try to buy easements (rights to use land for things like pipelines or power lines) by making it illegal for utility or private company employees to use fraud, intimidation, threats, or misrepresentation during negotiations. If a court finds these illegal tactics were used, it can void the easement agreement, return any payment to the company, or award the landowner up to three times the compensation as damages, plus attorney fees. The bill also requires utilities to face additional penalties if they knowingly allowed or participated in such misconduct.
Senate Reconsidered Failed, YEAS 16, NAYS 18. S.J. 502
Senate Intent to reconsider S.J. 494
Senate Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 17, NAYS 16. S.J. 494
Senate Deferred to another day S.J. 468
State Affairs Do Pass Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 4.
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate State Affairs S.J. 394
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 36, NAYS 34. H.J. 389
Commerce and Energy Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 4.
Commerce and Energy Motion to amend
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing
Commerce and Energy Motion to amend
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Commerce and Energy H.J. 225
First Reading House H.J. 199
Prime sponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-009
Prime sponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-020
Do Pass Amended
Reconsidered
State Affairs — Do Pass
Do Pass Amended
Commerce and Energy — Do Pass Amended