Legislative Panel Begins Domestic Abuse Study

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A South Dakota legislative panel has started a study of the state's domestic abuse laws, but it has delayed a discussion on whether those laws should cover people in same-sex relationships.

The study was prompted by the defeat of a measure during this year's legislative session.  The bill was killed after lawmakers could not agree on whether protections provided by the domestic abuse laws should extend to same-sex couples.

Sen. Deb Soholt of Sioux Falls, chair of the committee, says the panel will likely discuss that issue at its next meeting on Aug. 1.

The committee also is looking into problems in restoring the right to buy or possess a gun to people who have been convicted of a crime related to domestic violence.

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