The Platform Committee plays a central policy-setting role. According to the Bylaws, The platform committee shall conduct hearings around the state prior to the state convention.
Core Responsibilities
1. Review the Existing Party Platform
- Begins with the current SDGOP Platform as the baseline.
- Evaluates whether planks remain relevant, effective, and aligned with Republican principles.
- Identifies sections that may need clarification, strengthening, or removal.
2. Receive and Evaluate Proposed Changes
- Reviews platform planks, amendments, or resolutions submitted by:
- County Republican parties
- Delegates
- Recognized party bodies (if allowed by rules)
- Determines whether proposals:
- Align with Republican values
- Are internally consistent
- Avoid legal or constitutional conflicts
- Are clearly written and actionable
3. Debate and Deliberate
- Committee members debate each proposal.
- Amendments may be:
- Accepted as submitted
- Modified by the committee
- Rejected
- Votes are taken within the committee according to its adopted rules.
4. Prepare the Platform Committee Report
- Produces a formal written report to the convention, usually including:
- Recommended additions
- Recommended deletions
- Recommended amendments
- Any minority reports (if permitted)
- This report becomes the official platform proposal presented to the full body of delegates.
5. Present the Platform to the Convention
- The Platform Committee Chair (or designee):
- Presents the report on the convention floor
- Moves adoption of the platform (often section-by-section or as a whole)
- Delegates may:
- Debate the report
- Offer floor amendments (subject to convention rules)
- Vote to adopt or amend the platform
6. Defend the Committee’s Recommendations
- Committee members often answer questions from delegates.
- They explain:
- Why certain proposals were accepted or rejected
- The intent behind wording choices
- How the platform reflects party priorities
7. Finalize the Official SDGOP Platform
- Once adopted by the delegates, the platform becomes:
- The official statement of Republican principles in South Dakota
- Guidance for candidates, legislators, party leadership, and messaging
- The platform typically remains in effect until amended at a future convention.
What the Platform Committee Does NOT Do
- ❌ It does not enact law
- ❌ It does not bind elected officials legally
- ❌ It does not override party bylaws or state/federal law
Its authority is recommendatory and representative, not legislative.
Why the Platform Committee Matters
- It is one of the most grassroots-driven committees at convention.
- It reflects the policy will of the delegates, not party staff.
- A strong platform committee ensures:
- Clear principles
- Accountability for elected Republicans
- A documented conservative vision for the state