PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – What is a legislative conflict of interest?

The answer, as evidenced by arguments from the South Dakota attorney general and legal counsels for the governor and the legislature, is anything but simple.

On Monday, the South Dakota Supreme Court heard oral arguments on what a legislative conflict of interest is.

Katie Hruska (ha-roo-ska), counsel for Gov. Kristi Noem, says the governor is looking for clarity.

However, Justice Mark Salter may have determined the real issue.

“There is implicit in all the submissions that the state of the law is unsatisfactory for being clear and workable,” Salter said.

In the short term, what is at stake is Gov. Kristi Noem’s ability to appoint two legislators to vacant Rapid City districts who won’t later be found to have conflicts.

In the longer term, the governor, legislators, and the attorney general want the court to issue an advisory opinion that clarifies not just what a conflict is but also what a direct and indirect conflict is.

Ron Parsons, attorney for the legislature, says that line needs to be clarified.

The hearing lasted for over 70 minutes. The court will issue a written opinion at a later date.