A legislative committee in South Dakota has endorsed a bill to limit the governor’s sole control over the Future Fund, a pool of economic development money. The move follows criticism of former Gov. Kristi Noem’s use of the fund for projects like a $13.5 million shooting range and a $9 million recruitment campaign featuring herself.
The proposed legislation would require Future Fund grants to be approved by the Board of Economic Development and establish formal rules for evaluating and awarding funds. The committee passed the draft 7–1.
Lawmakers also voiced support for a separate bill to tighten rules on state-issued credit cards, following a report that Noem charged $750,000 over six years, including expenses tied to personal travel. The bill would set spending limits and allow wage recovery for excess charges. That motion passed 6–1.
A third proposal requiring out-of-state gubernatorial expenses to be reviewed by the State Board of Finance failed by one vote. All three bills stem from concerns about past spending practices and aim to increase transparency and accountability.
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