PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – A bill that would have raised the cost of a South Dakota driver’s license two dollars (to $30) was killed by the South Dakota House Transportation Committee Tuesday. The two-dollar increase would have gone to help support transit systems in South Dakota. Eight proponents testified in favor of the bill. Deputy Revenue Department Secretary David Wiest was the only opponent on behalf of the Governor’s Office.
Bill sponsor Representative Roger Chase of Huron used his rebuttal to draw on his personal experience with using transit systems to bring his own parents to medical treatments out of town.
Significant committee discussion centered on what the definition of the proposed cost increase would be. With testimony nearing an hour and 15 minutes, Committee Chair Representative John Mills needed to conclude testimony. Representative Tim Goodwin wanted more time and debate.
A do-pass motion failed on a six-to-seven vote. A second motion was made to send HB-1183 to the House floor. With no recommendation however, Representative Mary Duvall made a substitute motion to send the bill to the 41st legislative day. That motion was approved on a seven-to-five vote.
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