(Pierre, SD) — The bill that would reduce the penalty for drug ingestion charges in South Dakota is heading to the Governor’s desk. Senate Bill 83 passed the State House yesterday on a 37-33 vote. The legislation will change the penalty for ingesting a controlled substance from a felony to a misdemeanor. Supporters say the current penalties don’t address the issue of drug addiction. Opponents argued that the bill is too soft on crime and sends the wrong message to kids.
