The South Dakota House State Affairs Committee approved a bill (Friday) that would set up an elder abuse task force in the state.
Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson made a push for the task force in his “State of the Judiciary” speech to legislators in January.

Curt Everson, President of the South Dakota Bankers Association testified in favor of the bill.

Everson asked the committee to add an amendment, expanding the task force by two members to come from the bankers association.

Everson said the bankers would pick up the cost of the two additional members. That amendment was also adopted.

Greg Satizahn, administrator of the state court system, says they appreciate the addition of the bankers to the task force.

The bill, which has already been passed by the Senate, was approved on an eleven to zero vote, and now goes to the House floor.