PIERRE, SD (KELO AM) The State Senate has unanimously approved stronger penalties for public officials using taxpayer money for personal benefit or gain.
Under current South Dakota law it is only a misdemeanor to engage in such behavior. This legislation is part of State Attorney General Marty Jackley's wish list to the 2017 State Legislature.
"Public officials that illegally take taxpayer money that has been entrusted to them, violate the public trust and should be held responsible and treated as any other criminal thief," says Jackley. The bill also provides protections to whistleblowers who reveal shady dealings by public officials.
Jackley's legislation was prompted in part by the EB-5 and Gear Up Scandals.
