Lawmakers reject efforts to restore investigative committee's subpoena power

GOAC had sought power following conflict of interest investigation into Gov. Kristi Noem

Rep. Randy Gross, R-Elkton, testifies Jan. 13, 2023 at the State House Affairs Committee. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

PIERRE – There were no opponents who testified against a bill Friday morning that would have restored the power of the Legislature’s investigative committee to issue subpoenas.

There didn’t need to be, because there were plenty of opponents on the committee that heard the bill.

The House State Affairs Committee voted 9-3 not to allow the Government Operations and Audit Committee the power to issue subpoenas. Members of GOAC voted unanimously last year to ask the Legislature to give it subpoena power.

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