Supreme Court schedules oral arguments in Noem's request on legislator conflicts

Hearing to come before legislative session starts

The South Dakota Supreme Court has granted Gov. Kristi Noem’s request for oral arguments into what constitutes a conflict of interest for state lawmakers under the state Constitution.

Noem in October asked the Court for an advisory opinion following the resignation of former Sen. Jessica Castleberry, whose daycare business took $600,000 in Covid funds. Castleberry’s resignation sparked a flurry of requests from lawmakers about what constitutes a conflict.

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The Supreme Court scheduled the hearing for Jan. 8, the day before the legislative session starts with Noem’s State of the State Address.

The Court has scheduled an hour of oral hearing, granting the governor 20 minutes, as well as the Legislature, which is represented by former U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons, and Attorney General Marty Jackley 20 minutes each. Jackley will argue on behalf of his office.

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