(South Dakota Broadcasters Association) Republican Gov. Kristi Noem suffered a second defeat today (Tuesday) on a significant policy initiative.
On an 11 to 23 vote, the Senate defeated SB 185.
It would have established a Committee on Foreign Investment and revised provisions related to foreign ownership of agricultural land.
The bill’s target was China and the Chinese Communist Party’s control over companies and land ownership.
Republican Sen. Erin Tobin from Winner said legislators needed to help protect Ellsworth Air Force Base from Chinese spying.
Opponents said the intention behind the bill was good, but it needed too much work.
Bill opponent, Republican Sen. Lee Schoenbeck from Watertown.
Other opponents were concerned the bill would give the governor “unfettered” veto power with no standards or judicial review to disapprove transactions.
This morning, the House State Affairs Committee killed a Noem Administration proposal to end the sales tax on food, sending it to the 41st legislative day.
