Members of the GOAC react to Sherry Bren’s testimony

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Government Operations and Audit Committee of the South Dakota legislature spent several hours questioning Sherry Bren, the former head of the state appraiser certification program. She was forced to retire after Governor Kristi Noem’s daughter did not receive her certification after two attempts.

Committee members debated their next steps. Representative Randy Gross of Elkton says they need to document what they heard and learned.

Senator Wayne Steinhauer of Hartford says he would like a report on the program from the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls says they need to know more than how appraiser certification works.

As part of her settlement, Bren signed a non-disparagement clause with the state.

Noem has denied that her daughter got any special treatment and that she wants to improve the state certification program.