A missing senator, a failed search and two dead data center bills: The SD Senate’s chaotic day

By: Joshua Haiar, Seth Tupper

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 25, 2026

Words: 952

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

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PIERRE — A member’s unexplained absence and an unsuccessful search for him contributed to the defeat of two bills intended to incentivize data centers Tuesday during a chaotic afternoon for South Dakota state senators.

“It’s not a good look for the Senate,” said Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings.

The absent senator was John Carley, a Republican from Piedmont and an opponent of both bills. As the fate of the data center legislation hung in the …

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