A bill keeping the government from entering into confidential settlements saw its way across the Capitol hall.

 

Senate Bill 59, which prohibits the state or a political subdivision from including a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement in a settlement, passed the Senate Judiciary committee on a 5-0 vote and full Senate, 23-10.

 

Sen. Arthur Rusch called SB 59 a “transparency bill” and added that it’s “overwhelmingly apparent” the public wants to know what’s in settlements.

 

Steve Siegel of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association said the effects of the disclosure within the bill would “be more so than we honestly know” and there would be “more cases going to trial.”

 

ASBSD is monitoring the bill, which now heads to the House for review.

 

For updates on the bill and other legislation throughout session, check the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed, Facebook page and Bill Tracker.