PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Noem VETOED four bills that will require legislative action on VETO Day: SB 108, SB 129, HB 1193, and HB 1209. VETO Day will take place on March 27.

SB 108 would enable underage South Dakotans to consume alcohol as part of college courses. “[The] flawed language creates potential loopholes that pose problems for law enforcement…We should respect the work of law enforcement by not needlessly making their jobs any tougher,” said Governor Noem. You can find the governor’s SB 108 VETO letter here.

SB 129 would treat teachers and school employees the same as law enforcement officers in instances of assault in their official duties. “The changes SB 129 makes would open the door for additional occupations to ask for special treatment under the law,” said Governor Noem. You can find the governor’s SB 129 VETO letter here.

HB 1193 is an attack on economic Freedom. “HB 1193 opens the door to the risk that the federal government could easily adopt a Central Bank Digital Currency…South Dakota should not open the door to a potential future overreach by the federal government,” said Governor Noem. You can find the governor’s HB 1193 VETO letter here.

HB 1209 classifies marijuana as hemp. “South Dakotans spoke clearly this past November: they do not want recreational marijuana. If I allowed this bill to become law, it would jeopardize the clearly expressed will of the people,” said Governor Noem. You can find the governor’s HB 1209 VETO letter here.