Attorney General’s Legislation Passes

(Pierre) –All five pieces of legislation introduced by Attorney General Mark Barnett during the 2002 legislative session have been adopted.

In addition to introducing legislation, Barnett testified to honor concealed weapons permits issued in other states that meet or exceed South Dakota’s requirements. He also testified for the strengthening of the state’s terrorism laws and internet predator laws.

One of the pieces introduced by Barnett make it a crime to issue a terroristic threat or use hoax substances and devices to make a threat.

Another legislative action Barnett introduced will clarify South Dakota’s sex offender registry laws. This bill will allow law enforcement to effectively impose the state’s laws requiring certain people to register as sex offenders.

Other bills introduced by the Attorney General will allow the state to more effectively police and eliminate illegal cigarettes in the state. And new law requires tax stamps only be placed on cigarettes manufactured by companies approved by the Department of Revenue. 

The final piece of legislation streamlines the process for inmate testimony in judicial proceedings.

All five bills will become law on July 1.

For more information about any of the bills mentioned, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 605-773-3215.

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