PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The re-boot of so-called “riot boosting” legislation has cleared the South Dakota Senate and its next stop is under the pen of Governor Kristi Noem. Senators voted 27 to 8 to pass the bill on the Governor.

Parts of similar legislation last year were found to be unconstitutional. Noem remains confident in the legislation.

Senator Troy Heinert doesn’t think this year’s bill is much different than the original bill brought last year.

Last year’s riot-boosting legislation was rushed through the Legislature in the final days of the session which wasn’t lost on Heinert.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which has opposed all such legislation in both sessions, released a statement Thursday afternoon following HB-1117’s passage saying they are concerned the legislation will be applied in a manner that violates the Constitution and wants to see a comprehensive plant to ensure the civil rights of activists are protected.

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