Senate Committee Passes Extension for Non-Meandered Waters Bill

The issue of non-meandered waters was back before legislators Thursday.

The Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee approved an extension of the so-called “Open Waters Compromise”, which was passed by lawmakers in a special session last year, by a 7-2 vote. The bill will sunset this June unless the legislature approves the 3 year extension. Governor Daugaard supports extending the bill.

District 22 State Representative Roger Chase, a member of the House Ag and Natural Resources Committee, says it isn’t certain that his committee will consider the extension.

He says it is a complex issue..

Chase says he would like to see lawmakers give the current bill a chance to work.

The extension now goes to the full Senate.