Some ethics documents meant to reveal state board members’ conflicts are missing

Many legally requird financial interest disclosures for the governor's 2025 Senate-confirmed appointees were missing or not viewable on the state's website, prompting balme swapping.

By: Joshua Haiar

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 27, 2026

Words: 1,171

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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When South Dakota’s governor makes a board or commission appointment that requires state Senate approval, the appointee is legally obligated to file a financial disclosure document that can be scrutinized for conflicts of interest.

State law on the matter is straightforward and succinct: “Any gubernatorial appointee for whom Senate confirmation is required shall file with the secretary of state a statement of financial interest before confirmation.”

But a South Dakota Searchlight review of last …

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