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problems because judges might have trouble deciding which couples are in a significant romantic relationship.
• "I find that it's too vague," said Rep. Timothy Johns, R-Lead, a former circuit judge.
• But supporters said the bill, which is now headed to the full House, gives judges sufficient guidance to determine which couples are in significant romantic relationships. The measure says a judge should consider the length of a relationship, its characteristics, how often two people interact or how long since the relationship ended.
• Vargo said 44 other states cover dating or romantic relationship in their domestic abuse laws.
• Ryan Kolbeck, a Sioux Falls lawyer, testified against the measure, saying current law adequately covers assault involving couples who are dating because the assailant can still be charged with assault.
• Kolbeck said the bill would "drag the intimate affairs of two people into the courtroom for everyone to observe and judge."
• South Dakota does not have a stand-alone crime of domestic abuse. Instead, people are charged with assault or other crimes with a tag added to indicate when an offense involves domestic abuse. That tag, or notation, helps victims gets protection orders against those who have hurt them and can also help them qualify for other programs that provide protection and financial assistance.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- State officials say the Federal Emergency Management Agency will award more than $1 million to the city of Rapid City for debris clean-up from an October blizzard.
• Public Safety Secretary Trevor Jones says the public-assistance funds are being provided to reimburse the city for eligible costs of cleaning up storm debris following the October blizzard.
• The FEMA money is to cover 80 percent of the cost of clean-up work done within 90 days of the blizzard. The state of South Dakota will provide an additional $126,000, which represents 10 percent of the eligible expenses. The city is responsible for the remaining 10 percent.
• Rapid City is participating in a pilot program through which FEMA reimburses a greater cost share if debris removal is expedited.
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