Here's the list of South Dakota lawmakers who want a special session on eminent domain, carbon pipelines

42 legislators sign petition, short of necessary two-thirds

(Submitted)

PIERRE — More than three dozen South Dakota lawmakers have signed onto a petition seeking a special session of the state Legislature to take up eminent domain reforms targeted at a pair of carbon pipeline companies. 

However, nearly two months after the petition was initiated by a contingent of Republicans from both the state House and Senate, the 42 signatures received so far is well short of the necessary two-thirds of both chambers it takes to compel a special session at the state Capitol.

The Legislative Research Council Tuesday provided to The Dakota Scout the comprehensive list of senators and representatives who have signed. Of the 42 signatures, nine are from senators and 33 from members of the House.

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And with 105 seats in the Legislature — 70 in the House and 35 in the Senate, that means 14 more representatives and 15 more senators would need to sign onto the petition to make a special session a reality. While that’s unlikely to happen before the regular session commences in January, those behind the petition say their efforts aren’t entirely fruitless.

“To me, this shows who is serious about this issue and who is not,” said Rep. Karla Lems, among the most vocal advocates in Pierre for strengthening land owner rights with regard to eminent domain. “The people affected want a special session and want something done.”