Page:2019SouthDakotaConstitution20190107.pdf/13

 '''§7. Convening of annual sessions.'''

The Legislature shall meet at the seat of government on the second Tuesday of January at 12 o'clock p.m. and at no other time except as provided by this Constitution.

§8. Oath required of legislators and officers -- Forfeiture of office for false swearing.

Members of the Legislature and officers thereof, before they enter upon their official duties, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of South Dakota, and will faithfully discharge the duties of (senator, representative or officer) according to the best of my abilities, and that I have not knowingly or intentionally paid or contributed anything, or made any promise in the nature of a bribe, to directly or indirectly influence any vote at the election at which I was chosen to fill said office, and have not accepted, nor will I accept or receive directly or indirectly, any money, pass, or any other valuable thing, from any corporation, company or person, for any vote or influence I may give or withhold on any bill or resolution, or appropriation, or for any other official act.

This oath shall be administered by a judge of the Supreme or circuit Court, or the presiding officer of either house, in the hall of the house to which the member or officer is elected, and the secretary of state shall record and file the oath subscribed by each member and officer.

Any member or officer of the Legislature who shall refuse to take the oath herein prescribed shall forfeit his office.

Any member or officer of the Legislature who shall be convicted of having sworn falsely to, or violated his said oath, shall forfeit his office and be disqualified thereafter from holding the office of senator or member of the house of representatives or any office within the gift of the Legislature.

§9. Each house as judge of qualifications -- Quorum -- Rules of proceedings -- Officers and employees.

Each house shall be the judge of the election returns and qualifications of its own members.

A majority of the members of each house shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn from day-to-day, and may compel the attendance of absent members in such a manner and under such penalty as each house may provide.

Each house shall determine the rules of its proceedings, shall choose its own officers and employees and fix the pay thereof, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.

§10. Filling legislative vacancies.

The Governor shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur in either house of the Legislature.