Attorney General Jackley Forms New Task Force to Review Open Meetings Laws

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced the creation of a new Advisory Task Force Committee on Open Meetings Laws, which will convene for its first meeting on Tuesday, November 25, in Pierre.

The newly established 15-member group is distinct from the existing South Dakota Open Meetings Commission. While the Commission—established in 2004—focuses on reviewing and addressing alleged violations, this new task force is charged with discussing potential legislative amendments to update and improve the state’s current Open Meetings Laws.

"Government, funded by the taxpayers, should be transparent," said Attorney General Jackley. "I have formed this task force made up of the news media, private organizations, and local government officials to improve our State’s Open Meetings Laws and to increase government transparency within our State."

The committee includes a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from State’s Attorneys and school board officials to representatives from the South Dakota News Media Association and the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.

Task Force Members:

·        Michael Smith – Clay County State’s Attorney

·        Austin Hoffman – McPherson County State’s Attorney

·        Karla Engle – Chief Legal Counsel, SD Dept. of Transportation

·        Kirsten Jasper – Chief Legal Counsel, SD Dept. of Revenue

·        Tracey Kelley – Custer County State’s Attorney

·        Dylan Kirchmeier – Roberts County State’s Attorney

·        Dave Bordewyk – SD News Media Association

·        Steve Willard – SD Broadcasters Association

·        Shane Roth – DeSmet School District Board President

·        Garret Bischoff – Huron School District Board Vice-President

·        Geoffrey Gray Lobe – Clay County Commissioner

·        Cole Heisey – Minnehaha County Commissioner

·        Kellen Willert – City Attorney, Belle Fourche

·        Terry Sletten – SD Association of Towns and Townships Exec. Director

·        Jim Urban – SD Association of Towns and Townships Board Member

The first meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. CST on Tuesday. It will be held in person at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Training Center in Pierre, located at 1302 E. Hwy 1889 in the DCI Conference Room.

The agenda for the meeting can be found here: