HR7001F 96th Legislative Session 0
AMENDMENT HR7001F FOR THE INTRODUCED
BILL
Introduced by: Representative Mortenson
A RESOLUTION,
Impeaching
On
the potential impeachment of Jason
Ravnsborg, Attorney General of the State of South Dakota,
for certain crimes or misdemeanors in office.
WHEREAS, the Attorney General of the State of South Dakota is a state officer subject to impeachment pursuant to S.D. Const., Art. XVI, § 3; and
WHEREAS,
the House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment
pursuant to S.D. Const., Art. XVI, § 1;
and:
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the
Ninety-Sixth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that
these Articles of Impeachment are adopted in the name of the People
of South Dakota and of the South Dakota House of Representatives
against Jason Ravnsborg, Attorney General of the State of South
Dakota, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for
crimes or misdemeanors in office.
Article I: Acts Causing the Death of
Joseph Boever
Article
XVI, § 3 of the South Dakota Constitution provides that the
House of Representatives may impeach "state and judicial
officers," for "drunkenness, crimes, corrupt conduct, or
malfeasance or misdemeanors in office." Jason Ravnsborg
committed crimes or misdemeanors in office causing the death of
Joseph Boever, specifically:
(1) On the evening of September 12,
2020, Jason Ravnsborg failed to operate his vehicle within its proper
lane, crossed outside such lane, and struck pedestrian and Highmore,
South Dakota resident Joseph Boever. Mr. Boever died from injuries
sustained from the collision; and
(2) Jason Ravnsborg has been charged
by the Hyde County State's Attorney with three separate crimes in
connection with his driving on the night in question.
The
Attorney General having a special obligation to the People and the
Laws of the State of South Dakota, Jason Ravnsborg must be removed
from such office for his crimes or misdemeanors in office causing the
death of Joseph Boever.
Article II: Other Acts Following the
Death of Joseph Boever
Article
XVI, § 3 of the South Dakota Constitution provides that the
House of Representatives may impeach "state and judicial
officers," for "drunkenness, crimes, corrupt conduct, or
malfeasance or misdemeanors in office." Jason Ravnsborg
committed crimes or misdemeanors in office associated with the
investigation following the death of Joseph Boever.
Following
the collision, including during his reporting of the collision and
the resulting investigation, Jason Ravnsborg undertook actions
unbecoming the Attorney General. Jason Ravnsborg's statements and
actions failed to meet the standard of the Office of the Attorney
General.
The
Attorney General having a special obligation to the People and the
Laws of the State of South Dakota, Jason Ravnsborg must be removed
from such office for his crimes or misdemeanors in office following
the death of Joseph Boever
after a conviction, plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or acquittal
in case number 34MAG21-0001, State v. Jason Ravnsborg, the House of
Representatives may evaluate whether articles of impeachment against
Jason Ravnsborg, Attorney General of the State of South Dakota, are
necessary and proceed accordingly.
Catchlines are not law. (§ 2-16-13.1) Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes
indicate deleted language.