PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota House has passed a measure to regulate the use of public water as it floods private land.
Legislators voted 53-6 to pass the bill on to the Senate. A similar bill failed in the Senate last week.
The issue has been contentious. Hunters and anglers have pushed for access to the flooded waters. Bodies of water larger than 40 acres are considered part of the public trust.
Property owners have pushed for their property rights. They say they should maintain authority over their flooded land or be compensated for its use.
The bill that passed the House Tuesday forbids use of recreational vehicles within 600 feet of a dwelling or livestock on such bodies of water. It allows for a few exceptions.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.