The South Dakota House of Representatives initiated an impeachment investigation into Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg on Tuesday, scrutinizing his conduct related to a fatal car crash in 2020. A significant majority of the Republican-led House voted to form a bipartisan committee tasked with reviewing the case and recommending whether impeachment proceedings should be pursued. The committee, comprised of seven Republicans and two Democrats, including both supporters and critics of Ravnsborg, will delve into the details of the investigation, a process expected to take several weeks.
This inquiry marks a pivotal moment in South Dakota politics, as no state official has ever been impeached. The state constitution permits impeachment for “corrupt conduct, malfeasance or misdemeanor in office.” The central question revolves around whether Ravnsborg’s actions surrounding the accident, including his misdemeanor convictions and the loss of confidence from law enforcement associations, constitute impeachable offenses.
The case stems from a September 2020 incident where Ravnsborg struck and killed 55-year-old Joseph Boever, who was walking along a rural highway. Ravnsborg initially reported hitting a deer but later discovered Boever’s body upon returning to the scene the following day. He pleaded no contest in August 2021 to two misdemeanor charges related to the crash: operating a vehicle while using a mobile electronic device and driving outside his lane.
FILE – Then-candidate Jason Ravnsborg speaks in Sioux Falls, S.D., in 2014. (AP Photo/Dirk Lammers, File)
The House committee’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including Ravnsborg’s actions before, during, and after the incident. Key areas of focus will likely include Ravnsborg’s initial account of the events, his subsequent discovery of Boever’s body, and the details of the investigation conducted by the Department of Public Safety.
House Speaker Spencer Gosch, a Republican, emphasized the importance of a thorough and objective review, stating that the committee’s first meeting would focus on establishing a legal framework for their investigation. “Our first meeting is literally to sit down, go through the constitution, go through case law, to get an idea,” Gosch explained.
Governor Kristi Noem, a vocal critic of Ravnsborg who has called for his resignation, has provided the House with a hard drive containing the crash investigation. However, to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information, the committee plans to subpoena the investigation directly from the Department of Public Safety.
Republican Representative Will Mortenson, who initially called for Ravnsborg’s impeachment in February 2021, advocated for transparency in the process. The House voted to make the materials reviewed by the committee publicly accessible, with the exception of redacted confidential and irrelevant information. Mortenson emphasized the unprecedented nature of the proceedings, stating, “This is unprecedented in state history, which means we need to be thoughtful. And keep in mind the public, the family of any victims here and the subject of impeachment as well.”
The committee’s investigation will also consider the potential impact of Ravnsborg’s actions on his ability to effectively serve as Attorney General. The loss of confidence from law enforcement associations raises questions about his leadership and the public’s trust in his office.
The impeachment process in South Dakota involves two stages. First, the House committee will conduct its investigation and submit a report with its recommendation to the full House. If the House votes to impeach, a trial will be held in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required for conviction and removal from office.
This impeachment inquiry marks a significant chapter in South Dakota’s political history. The committee’s findings and the subsequent actions of the House and Senate will have lasting implications for the state and its legal system. The investigation’s outcome will not only determine Ravnsborg’s future but also set a precedent for future cases involving potential misconduct by state officials. The emphasis on transparency and due process throughout these proceedings is crucial to maintaining public trust in the government and ensuring accountability for those in positions of power. The weeks ahead will be critical as the committee diligently examines the evidence and considers the complex legal and ethical questions at the heart of this case.
