Senator says pipeline protest bill was rushed through process

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of parts of South Dakota’s new law that aims to prevent disruptive demonstrations against the Keystone XL pipeline.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol issued the injunction this week pointing out issues with First Amendment rights.

Senator Craig Kennedy of Yankton opposed the bill when it passed the Senate on a vote of 30-4.

Kennedy says the bill was rushed through the process.

Kennedy, who is a lawyer, says constitutional issues with bills can be difficult to see during the legislative process.

The bill was first introduced in the Senate on March 4 and was passed and signed by Governor Kristi Noem by March 29.