The first day of the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session is January 9th. One day prior to that the South Dakota Supreme Court will convene to examine the issue of conflict of interest rules for lawmakers. Jessica Castleberry was a state senator and she received $500,000 in Covid 19 federal relief funds for the day care business that she ran. This was ruled to be a conflict of interest violation which states that lawmakers are banned from entering into state contracts “directly or indirectly” during their term and for a year after they finish serving in office. Governor Noem asked the court for additional clarity on the rule including, Can lawmakers or their spouses be employed by school districts or counties? District 22 Representative Roger Chase was asked about the issue with the type of legislative representation used in South Dakota.
Chase’s background as a farmer, the husband of an educator, a real estate broker and once serving as a county commissioner gives him a lot of workable knowledge. He was chosed twice to chair summer study committees for the SD Legislature one on workforce housing and the other on county government finances and spending. Chase was asked how the court examination of the issue will be a benefit to the legislature.
Chase was asked if there are other potential conflicts that could be considered.
Chase will be term limited after the 2024 session and will not be seeking another office.