The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee tables a bill relating to nonmeandered waters at the prime sponsor’s request.
Senate Bill 170 requires public use of waters on private property to be managed by the rules set by the Legislature. The measure also mandates respect for private property.
Senator Jeff Partridge of Rapid City sponsors the bill. He praises what he calls a deliberative approach by the Senate with regard to this issue. Partridge makes additional comments about the nonmeandered waters debate before asking committee members to table the bill.
“To the landowners, I just ask that you be judicious – be patient. Not every last person is perfect, and be slow to anger if situations arise. That’s certainly how going forward would be prudent. To the sportsmen and women, I would say be respectful. Regardless of what has been compromised, the public waters are worthy of our dignity and by all means, remember to have fun out there. To G-F-and-P [ the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department], I would just say work hard. You wanted the negotiations process and you now own it. So, please work very hard on behalf of all the people in the State of South Dakota," Partridge says.
No one testified against tabling the bill. Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources kills Senate Bill 170 on a unanimous vote.?