The House State Affairs Committee voted 9-3, with one member excused, to give a “do pass” recommendation (March 2, 2026) to Senate Joint Resolution 508. If it passes the full Legislature, the question would go on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot, when South Dakotans also elect the gover nor and lieutenant governor. Supporters say the change would tighten the separation of powers and prevent an executive-branch official from deciding tied Senate votes. Opponents say South Dakota has done it this way since statehood and argue lawmakers are stacking constitutional questions onto an already crowded ballot. The current constitution says the lieutenant governor “shall be president of the senate” and may vote only when senators are equally divided. SJR 508 would strike that language and shift the Senate to a structure where it chooses its own presiding officer. Prime sponsor Sen. Steve Kolbeck, R-Brandon, told lawmakers timing matters. He said if the Legislature doesn’t move the measure now, it would likely wait another four years so it doesn’t become tangled up with a specific governor-lieutenant governor ticket on a future ballot. Supporters also pointed to recent legal clarity about the lieutenant governor’s voting power. Sen. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, told the committee the question is whether the Senate should function as an independent legislative body or whether the executive branch should retain a voting role in the chamber when it’s tied. He also warned the current structure can invite “gamesmanship,” including strategic absences when votes are close. Recently, the South Dakota Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion that said the lt. governor could vote in the event of a tie in the Senate. Opponents pushed back on both the policy and the politics. Kellie Rittershausen, executive director of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, told lawmakers that about half the states have lieutenant governors who preside over their senates. She said removing that responsibility without adding any other duties runs against what she has seen nationally. Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, also opposed the proposal. He said voters already face a packed ballot and noted the constitutional setup has existed since statehood. After limited discussion, the committee voted to advance the resolution to the House floor. By Todd Epp | South Dakota Broadcasters Association. ...read more read less