PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – The House State Affairs Committee passes Governor Noem’s second try at “riot-boosting” legislation. It’s in response to feared protests that may arise surrounding the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline in western South Dakota.

Katie Hruska, Deputy General Counsel with the Governor’s office, says this year’s bill removes and revises portions of the law passed last year that was found unconstitutional as well as older statutes that were likely unconstitutional. She says it targets violence.

Opponents say the intent of the bill remains the same and it merely changes criminal penalties to civil.

Ramey Bald Eagle spoke on behalf of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He says this will curtail free speech.

Speaker of the House, Steven Haugaard of Sioux Falls, voted against the bill.

The measure passed 10-3 and now proceeds to the full House.

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