Governor Signs Eminent Domain Bill

South Dakota House Bill 1052, aimed at protecting property rights in eminent domain cases related to carbon pipelines, has officially been signed into law by the governor. The bill, which passed the House with a veto-proof majority and cleared the Senate by just one vote shy of the same margin, marks a significant win for landowners. Doug Sombke, president, South Dakota Farmers Union, dismissed concerns that the bill would create complications for pipeline projects, stating, “that’s not the thing, just treat the farmer right, that’s all we’re asking.”  Supporters argue that it represents the will of the people, pointing to last year’s overwhelming rejection of a previous bill that was seen as unfavorable to farmers. “We had a referendum on their bill from last year, supposedly the farmers’ rights bill and that got defeated soundly.” Sombke noted last year’s vote showed strong support for landowner rights, with nearly every county backing their position by at least 53 percent. “The people spoke, we’re proud to be part of it.”