South Dakota House Bill HCR6005

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/22
• Refer: 1/31/22
• Report Pass: 2/9/22

Caption

Urging the executive branch to refrain from seeking or promoting specific legislative outcomes.

Impact

The resolution states that the executive branch should serve as a transparent resource, providing accurate and objective information to the legislature without using public resources to lobby for specific legislative outcomes. This could impact how legislative advocacy occurs within the state, highlighting the boundaries between executive influence and legislative independence. By establishing these parameters, HCR6005 aims to prevent potential ethical conflicts of interest that may arise when executive officials engage in lobbying activities related to legislation they would later enforce.

Summary

HCR6005, a House Concurrent Resolution from the 97th Legislative Session in South Dakota, urges the executive branch to refrain from seeking or promoting specific legislative outcomes. It emphasizes the First Amendment's guarantee of the right to petition the government, pointing out that while individuals may use lobbyists to convey their views, this right does not extend to the executive branch's function of introducing legislation. The bill aims to clarify the respective roles of the legislative and executive branches in the law-making process, reinforcing the principle of checks and balances in government.

Contention

The resolution raises important questions about the proper role of the executive branch in terms of legislative processes. Advocates argue it is necessary to ensure that the executive branch remains impartial and focused on executing laws rather than participating in the legislative fray. Critics, however, might argue that the line between advocating for important legislation and lobbying for specific outcomes can be blurred, potentially hindering executive input on crucial policy matters. Furthermore, the tension between the branches could create challenges in achieving effective governance if executive transparency does not effectively convey necessary information to the legislature.