A South Dakota lawmaker’s unexpected absence during a crucial floor session Tuesday stalled two major data‑center bills and prompted a search inside the Capitol. Senator John Carley of Piedmont missed 24 votes, later saying he had an eye doctor appointment and an unexpected health issue. With another senator already out for medical reasons, his absence removed the possibility of a tie vote — a scenario supporters of the bills were counting on, since the lieutenant governor can break ties.
Senators invoked a “call of the house,” and the sergeant‑at‑arms searched the building for nearly 40 minutes, even reviewing security footage, but Carley could not be reached.
The missed votes caused both data‑center measures to fail on Crossover Day. Lawmakers say the situation highlights growing concerns about strategic absences and the lieutenant governor’s tie‑breaking power.
