ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- 2024 South Dakota legislative session has been addressing a number of bills dealing with the issue of landowner’s property rights in regard to the CO2 pipeline.  Spink County landowner Ed Fischbach & McPherson County landowner Mark Lapka discussed what the legislature has done so far in 2024.

Several landowner related bills have been going through the House’s Commerece & Energy Committee.  Fischbach explains why this has been the case.

One of the bills was HB1079 that would require landowner’s permission to permit surveying on the property.  Lapka testfied on that bill.

That bill was defeated at the committee.

Two landowners bills sponsored by House Majority Leader Will Mortenson both cleared that chamber.  Fischbach talked about HB1185 which dealt with the $500 payment businesses needed to pay to enter the property.

Fischbach talks about HB1186 that he testified in the committee but wanted to see changes to that bill.

Lapka explain his opposition to both bills and disappointment with a vote made one of his legislator.

Both bills passed the South Dakota House.

Another bill that was discussed in the House Commerce & Energy Committee was HB1219 which would prevent eminent domain to be used for the CO2 pipeline.  The bill was defeated by the committee but was later smoked out.  Lapka detailed what happened to that bill once it reached the House floor.

Meanwhile in the South Dakota Senate, the Senate Commerce & Energy Committee dealt with SB201 which dealt with state overriding local control.  Fischbach describes it as one of the worst bills he’s ever seen.

Lapka believes this will change the rules going forward.

Lapka explains the emergency clause that was in the bill.

The bill passed the South Dakota Senate on a 23-11 vote with the emergency clause being eliminated.  The bill will move on to the House Commerce & Energy Committee on Monday.  Fischbach encourages everyone to check it out.

The hearing is schedule to begin at 10am Monday.