PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The House State Affairs Committee of the South Dakota legislature has effectively killed a bill that would have given money to counties and in some instances what would amount to tax rebate checks to residents.  Representative John Mills says House Bill 1212 would take 50-thousand dollars from the state general fund and 50-thousand in ARPA funds and distribute it to two funds.

Andy Bruels with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources says DANR is opposed to the bill.

The bill would have let counties use the money for capital projects and housing infrastructure projects similar to Senate Bill 41, the housing infrastructure bill passed earlier in the session.  Mills voted against S-B 41.  Mills says language in the bill comes directly from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The House State Affairs Committee killed H-B1212 on an eight to four vote with one excused.