PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The Senate State Affairs Committee passes a bill(SB20) that would establish the crime of threatening or intimidating an election official or election worker.

It was brought on behalf of the Secretary of State. Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Deadrick says election workers around the country report being threatened. He says it hasn’t been reported in South Dakota, yet.  Deadrick says it’s based on a similar law covering judicial officials.

Among those speaking against the bill, Heather Baxter of Rapid City. She says the bill lacks clarity.

Senator David Wheeler of Huron says this is a good bill.

The measure passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate floor.