Attorney General Explains Plan to Revise Campaign Laws

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Attorney General Marty Jackley has released an explanation for a ballot measure to create a publicly funded campaign finance program, require additional disclosure and limit lobbying by state officials after they leave government.

Jackley's office said Monday the measure significantly overhauls South Dakota's campaign finance laws.

The campaign finance program would allocate two $50 credits to voters, who could assign them to candidates. The plan also lowers political contribution limits.

The lobbying portion would bar certain state officials and some employees from lobbying for two years after leaving state government.

Supporters must collect nearly 14,000 signatures by Nov. 9 and have them certified to put it to a public vote in 2016.

Former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rick Weiland and former Republican state Sen. Don Frankenfeld are sponsoring the measure.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.