Closed-door Republican caucus meetings are an insult to government transparency

By: Dana Hess

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: March 1, 2026

Words: 735

Last Updated: 1 week, 3 days ago

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The South Dakota Legislature, usually noted for the decorum of its public meetings, punished one of its own last month for being out of order. It’s hard for anyone but Republican legislators to know if the punishment fit the crime.

During the House debate on Senate Concurrent Resolution 604, a measure admonishing South Dakotans to pray always and fast in July, Rep. Phil Jensen, a Rapid City Republican, questioned the religious beliefs …

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