Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, establishing the commissioner of agriculture and natural resources as an elected constitutional officer.
Impact
Should this resolution pass, it will ensure that the commissioner of agriculture and natural resources is not only answerable to the governor but directly to the voters. This change is expected to enhance the relationship between the office and the constituents, allowing for greater public influence over policies that affect state agricultural and natural resource management. This constitutional amendment marks a significant shift in the governance of these sectors, emphasizing popular sovereignty in state-level decisions.
Summary
HJR5002 aims to amend the South Dakota Constitution to establish the position of commissioner of agriculture and natural resources as an elected constitutional officer. This amendment seeks to allow voters to directly elect the commissioner during general elections, a shift away from any prior appointment processes. As such, it positions agriculture and natural resource management closer to the electorate’s control, potentially increasing accountability and localized responsiveness to agricultural issues.
Contention
Discussions around HJR5002 include notable points of contention, particularly the concerns regarding the implications it could have on the efficiency and effectiveness of governance in agricultural policies. Opponents may argue that making the commissioner an elected office could lead to politicization within what should be a technically-driven position, where expertise is paramount. Furthermore, there could be fears that electoral pressures might divert focus from long-term resource management in favor of short-term political gains.
Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, updating references to certain officeholders and persons.
Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for the retention elections of circuit court judges.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring all non-judicial offices elected by a statewide vote to be nominated at a primary election.
Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to limit terms of service for legislators to eight years.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring an intervening general election occur before an initiated constitutional amendment that is substantially similar to an initiated amendment that was previously voted on and rejected may be submitted to a vote of the electors.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, establishing the trust for unclaimed property fund.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising and establishing certain constitutional provisions regarding the lieutenant governor and the presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.