© 2024 SDPB Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Judge blocks Lawrence County petitioner regulations

 Lawrence County Courthouse
Lawrence County Courthouse

Once again following disputes from signature-gatherers, a South Dakota judge has issued a favorable ruling for petitioners at government facilities.

Dakotans for Health, a state civic advocacy group, filed the suit contesting Lawrence County’s petitioning policy.

The policy was enacted in 2020. It restricted petitioners to a single courtyard between the administration building and courthouse in Deadwood.

Judge Roberto Lange issued a temporary restraining order Friday. That prevents Lawrence County from enforcing prior petitioning prohibitions in the administrative center.

Lange cited the recent ruling in Minnehaha County, also in favor of expanding petitioner access at government facilities, as part of the reason for his order.

The restraining order on the policy lapses July 6.

C.J. Keene is a Rapid City-based journalist covering the legal system, education, and culture
Related Content