By Chet Brokaw, The Associated Press

Three Republicans joined with the Democratic minority to endorse the measure 18-15, giving it the minimum number of votes needed to pass the chamber. Republican Gov. Mike Rounds is opposed to the bill.

SB189 seeks to have South Dakota join the other 49 states with laws that presume state and local government documents are open to the public, said the measure's main sponsor, Sen. Nancy Turbak Berry, D-Watertown.

The bill also contains safeguards that would prevent the release of information about business secrets, criminal investigations, security measures and private information on people's health, finance and other subjects.