A.B.A.T.E.
of
South Dakota

Week 9 ended the regular session of the Legislature and Veto Day is March 27. Thus far the Governor has vetoed 4 bills and one bill veto was sustained. The other 3 will be dealt with on Veto Day plus any other bills she vetoes.

The session ended with a sales tax cut of 4.2 % with a sunset date of 2027. The budget increases were 7% for education, 7% for state employees, and 5% for providers with a 100% for targeted areas – nursing homes, etc. Much of this was due to sales tax increases and federal dollars.

Most people feel we had a good session due to the strong leadership in both the Senate and the House.

Have a great spring if it ever arrives! Thanks for your support and interest in the session.

This bill increases the civil penalties for CDL holders and motor carriers for out of service orders.  Bill passed committee 9-3 and passed House 58-11. Bill was amended with fine amounts of $19,389 for employer ad $ 740 for employee for first offense and 2nd offense and beyond up to $7,481. Bill passed Senate 32-3. Gov signed.

This bill increases the tuition that the state will pay to 100% for SD National Guard members if they attend school in South Dakota. Amended and passed committee 8-6 and sent to House Appropriations committee for budget discussions – passed committee 9-6; passed House 66-4. Passed Senate 33-0

Bill updates charges for mailing decals and plates – raises the fee to $2.00 and $1.00 handling fee for decals and $10.00 plus $2.00 handling fee. Money will be shared by counties and state. Bill has an emergency clause.  Bill was amended to be $1.50 for fees and $7.50 for plates with no handling fees. Bill then passed committee 13-0 and passed House 68-2. Bill passed Senate Trans 7-0; passed Senate 34-1.

Bill creates an off road vehicle decal for non residents visiting the state. Cost is $1.00 per day with a minimum of $5.00. No permit may be issued for temporary use on public highways. If you wish to be on public highways, you can get a decal for $50.00.  Money will be shared with county and state funds. Bill passed committee 6-0 and Senate 34-0. Bill passed House Committee 10-3 and passed House 62-8. Gov signed

If a vehicle is transferred to an insurer, a power of attorney is created for certain vehicle transfer authorizations. Bill passed committee 9-0 and passed Senate 33-0. Passed House Judiciary 12-0 and passed House 66-4. Gov signed

Bill revises drivers license and motorcycle licenses suspension for restricted permit holders – changes the age from 18 to16. Bill passed committee 7-0 and passed Senate 34-0. Bill passed House Transportation 13-0 and passed House 69-1. Gov signed

Repeals outdated sections regarding enhanced conceal carry permit requirements – bill passed Senate 34-0; passed House 67-2. Gov signed

Bill removes the 4.5% sales tax on food. Will be around for a long time as much debate will occur on this and affects the budget. Bill passed policy committee 12-1 and was sent to House Appropriations Committee. Two other bills dealing with food tax reduction are HB 1095 and HB 1096 that reduce the food tax to 2 1/2 % and 3 1/2% respectively. HB 1096 was tabled and HB 1095 was sent to 41st day/killed. HB 1075 was killed in House Appropriations Committee. The only tax cutting bill left is HB 1137 and it is in the Senate now. Changes the sales tax amount to 4.2% and has a sunset date of 2027. Bill then passed both House and Senate.

Title bills to be used or not at the end of session. There are many more title bills in the House and the Senate – House – 1141,1142 and Senate – 104,105, 111,112,113,114. We will watch these to see if any content is put on the bill as we go farther in the session.SB 114 was tabled. All the rest were sent to the House in case they need them at the end. The only title bill to survive was SB 112 – a sales tax cutting bill to 4.2% and passed the House and is now in the Senate. SB 112 died in Senate  so all title bills are now dead.

These are all gun bills if you are interested.

Bill deals with provisions regarding vehicle warranty claims – this is a complete hoghouse bill dealing with what is covered – passed 8-0, passed Senate 35-0. Bill passed House committee 11-0 and passed House 67-1. On Gov’s desk

Bill revises the public meeting requirements for special meetings – Passed committee 6-0, was amended with 2 amendments dealing with not in executive session and total time for public testimony – Passed 35-0 – bill passed House 70-0. Gov signed

Bill deals with mandatory sentences for DUI violations – bill passed Commerce Committee 8-5, rereferred to House Judiciary Committee – was amended to deal with 2 years and sets the term of parole and involvement in programs – passed committee 8-5; passed House 58-12. Passed Committee 5-1 and passed Senate 23-12. On Gov’s desk

Gun bill if you are interested

Gun bill if interested

This is the General Budget bill we will be working on throughout the session and will be the last bill acted on. This bill was tabled as it was the Governor’s proposed budget and a new budget bill SB 210 was passed by both House and Senate.