(South Dakota Broadcasters Association) Republican legislative leaders clashed publicly Thursday over data center policy in South Dakota.
Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff accused House Speaker Jon Hansen of fear mongering about economic development.
The confrontation came during a joint Republican leadership news conference at the Capitol as lawmakers debate competing approaches to data centers.
Mehlhaff defended economic development incentives and warned that criticism is driving away investors.
Hansen argued against special tax breaks for wealthy tech companies.
The exchange grew tense.
Senate President Pro Tempore Carl Perry said leaders can disagree without being disagreeable.
The Legislature is on day 16 of its 38-day session, with 22 days remaining.
