South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the creation of a new Advisory Task Force Committee to review the state’s Open Meetings Laws. The group is scheduled to hold its first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Pierre.
This new task force differs from the South Dakota Open Meetings Commission, a five-member body of state attorneys established in 2004 to review alleged violations of the state’s open meetings statutes. Attorney General Jackley said the 15-member committee will focus on evaluating current laws and discussing potential legislative amendments to improve transparency.
“Government, funded by the taxpayers, should be transparent,” Jackley said. “I have formed this task force made up of the news media, private organizations, and local government officials to improve our State’s Open Meetings Laws and to increase government transparency within our State.”
The task force includes a mix of legal, governmental, and media representatives:
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Michael Smith – Clay County State’s Attorney
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Austin Hoffman – McPherson County State’s Attorney
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Karla Engle – Chief Legal Counsel, South Dakota Dept. of Transportation
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Kirsten Jasper – Chief Legal Counsel, South Dakota Dept. of Revenue
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Tracey Kelley – Custer County State’s Attorney
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Dylan Kirchmeier – Roberts County State’s Attorney
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Dave Bordewyk – South Dakota News Media Association
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Steve Willard – South Dakota Broadcasters Association
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Shane Roth – DeSmet School District Board President & Associated School Boards of South Dakota President
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Garret Bischoff – Huron School District Board Vice President & Associated School Boards Immediate Past President
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Gray Lobe – Clay County Commissioner
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Cole Heisey – Minnehaha County Commissioner
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Kellen Willert – City Attorney, City of Belle Fourche
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Terry Sletten – Executive Director, South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships
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Jim Urban – Board Member, South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships
The Attorney General’s office said the task force will provide recommendations aimed at ensuring state and local governments maintain openness and accountability in accordance with public expectations.