By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
Transparency in government remains a focus of the Attorney General’s Office this legislative session, with local communities — including those in Moody County — at the center of the discussion.
Three bills aimed at strengthening open government are now awaiting the Governor’s signature after receiving unanimous approval in the House last week, clearing their final legislative hurdle.
“State legislators this session are demonstrating their support for open government and transparency by approving these bills,” said Attorney General Jackley.
“I appreciate their willingness to help make government more responsive to the taxpayers.”
The measures set to become law include Senate Bill 46, which modifies requirements for open meeting agendas and establishes a penalty; Senate Bill 47, revising requirements for executive sessions and closed meetings; and Senate Bill 48, clarifying that official meeting agendas must be posted online at least 72 hours before a meeting begins.
Calls for transparency at the local level have continued to grow, both nationally and locally, as residents raise concerns that issues important to taxpayers are sometimes discussed or decided outside of public view. These decisions can and often affect everyday life — from taxes and utilities to schools and public safety. Open meetings and clear records are widely viewed as tools that build trust and encourage accountability.
Another transparency bill still under legislative consideration is Senate Bill 166, which would require county commissions and planning and zoning boards to hold meetings after 6pm or provide recordings within 24 hours for later public viewing.
Many local government meetings are held during the workday, making attendance difficult for much of the public. In Moody County, meetings are not formally recorded, and written minutes often do not fully capture the context or nuance of discussion. Despite repeated requests over time from this newspaper, commission members, and residents, the county has continued to provide minutes only.
This past week, counties association lobbyist Todd Kays indicated counties may oppose the bill or seek further clarification on how recordings must be done. Moody County Commission Chair Jerry Doyle, who has supported recording meetings, noted that SB 166 does not specify recording equipment and believes that decision should remain with each governing body.
“Hopefully, it will pass,” Doyle said. “With the technology we have now, I believe it is the public’s right. It would give those who have to work and cannot attend meetings a chance to be more informed. Public bodies work for the people!”
Currently, the City of Flandreau, Flandreau Public School Board, and Colman-Egan Public School Board offer live streams or recordings of meetings. Moody County Commission, and the cities of Colman, Egan, and Trent do not currently record meetings via audio, video, or livestream.
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