ENTITLED, An Act to provide for the award of treble damages in certain surface depredation cases.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:
    Section 1. That chapter 45-5A be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:

    If any mineral developer fails or refuses to conduct good faith negotiations with the surface owner to determine damages pursuant to § 45-5A-4, whether or not arising out of an existing contract or lease, the court, in any subsequent litigation arising out of the mineral developer's failure or refusal to negotiate in good faith, may, at its discretion, award treble damages on all or part of any recovery by the surface owner.

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An Act to provide for the award of treble damages in certain surface depredation cases.

========================= I certify that the attached Act originated in the HOUSE as Bill No. 1004 ____________________________ Chief Clerk =========================     ____________________________ Speaker of the House Attest: ____________________________ Chief Clerk ____________________________ President of the Senate Attest: ____________________________ Secretary of the Senate House Bill No. 1004 File No. ____ Chapter No. ______

========================= Received at this Executive Office this _____ day of _____________ , 20____ at ____________ M. By _________________________ for the Governor ========================= The attached Act is hereby approved this ________ day of ______________ , A.D., 20___ ____________________________ Governor ========================= STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, ss. Office of the Secretary of State Filed ____________ , 20___ at _________ o'clock __ M. ____________________________ Secretary of State By _________________________ Asst. Secretary of State