South Dakota lawmakers won't be barred from modifying voter-backed laws

7-year moratorium on legislative tinkering of initiated measures won't make fall ballot

South Dakota lawmakers' ability to repeal voter-approved laws will not be disturbed after the 2024 election.

A proposed amendment to the state Constitution aimed at prohibiting the Legislature from modifying any statute placed in law by South Dakota voters for seven years following its passage will not be on this year's ballot.

That’s according to Vox Populi: Our Choice (VPOC), the ballot question committee formed last year in hopes of putting the proposal before voters in November. VPOC Chairman Brian Bengs told The Dakota Scout this week that the organization is no longer circulating petitions and instead will consider reactivating its signature drive ahead of the 2026 election.

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