The South Dakota Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 176, which broadens investigatory tools available to the Government Operations and Audit Committee (GOAC) and authorizes certain resources to support its work.

Senator David Wheeler, sponsor and GOAC member, said the measure allows GOAC to use depositions and written interrogatories outside formal committee meetings, and to delegate investigatory tasks to members, staff or contracted investigators. Wheeler said the tools are meant to help the committee investigate management and fiscal matters more efficiently, beyond the current subpoena authority that only operates during committee meetings.

An amendment offered by Senator Chris Carr (Amendment 176C) was adopted on the floor to ensure the Legislative Research Council (LRC) provides assistance and clerical support and to allow the committee to use funds in the LRC legislative priority fund to carry out investigatory duties. Carr said the amendment provides resources the committee needs to avoid being a "toothless tiger." Senator Ernie Otten and others spoke in support, noting prior high‑profile matters that highlighted the committee's limited tools.

On final passage the roll call was unanimous: 35 yeas, 0 nays. The sponsor said the measure will give GOAC more flexibility to narrow issues before subpoenas and to obtain sworn written answers as a preliminary investigative step.