Saturday,  Aug. 03, 2013 • Vol. 15--No. 20 • 16 of 27

News from the

SD joins other states in legislative prayer case

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Attorney General Marty Jackley says South Dakota has joined 23 other states to file written arguments in a Supreme Court case that will determine whether the U.S. Constitution allows prayers during legislative sessions.
• Jackley says the states are challenging a federal appeals court decision that found a township violated the constitution by opening each board meeting with a prayer.
• The attorney general says all 50 states in some fashion follow the practice of opening each legislative day with a prayer. He says the U.S. Supreme Court will determine whether the constitution allows prayers during legislative sessions, and what limits might apply to such prayers.
• Jackley says there is no additional cost to South Dakota to join the other states in filing the written arguments with the Supreme Court.

SD insurance firm to pay penalty, comply with law

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The state Insurance Division says a South Dakota-based insurance company has agreed to pay a penalty of $25,000 and comply with insurance laws and regulations.
• The division says it has completed an examination of ReliaMax Surety Co., which issues surety bonds to insure the repayment of student loans.
• Officials say the examination alleged violations of a South Dakota law involving transacting business in other states without proper authority.
• ReliaMax has executed a consent order agreeing to conduct business in compliance with South Dakota insurance laws and regulations. The consent order includes a monetary penalty of $25,000.
• The Insurance Division says state law requires the examination report to remain confidential for 30 days. The report will be opened for public inspection on Aug. 26.

Walker, governors ride Harleys to reception

• MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, former Gov. Tommy Thompson and five other current governors have completed their Harley-Davidson motorcycle ride through the streets of Milwaukee.

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