State backs off legal threat over Noem credit cards
Lawyer representing Governor's Office threatened to violate First Amendment by seeking restraining order
Gov. Larry Rhoden’s office will not pursue the return of state spending records in The Dakota Scout’s possession after previously threatening legal action to force their return.
The Sioux Falls-based newspaper obtained detailed copies of former Gov. Kristi Noem’s state-issued credit card receipts and statements earlier this month after agreeing to settle an open records lawsuit brought against the state by The Scout last year.
The Scout filed suit against state Auditor Rich Sattgast last September after he denied a request for the records, financial documents that state law requires be made available for public inspection. In his denial, Sattgast cited potential safety concerns to Noem and her staff. Sattgast also referenced a state law that permits the records of governors to be released 10 years after they leave office or when they die.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Dakota Scout to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.