State law currently says South Dakota motorists are supposed to get a new license-plate design in 2011. However, the state House of Representatives voted today to extend the use of South Dakota’s current license plate design through 2016 at the request of the Rounds administration.
House members rejected 37-32 an amendment by Rep. Shantel Krebs, R-Renner, suggesting the current plates be used to 2013. The legislation, SB 65, heads to Gov. Mike Rounds for his signature.
Rep. Larry Tidemann, R-Brookings, said county, city and township governments would receive some $4 million under the 2016 plan, while state prison industries would get $1 million as compensation for money already spent in preparing for a new 2011 issue.
Krebs noted that the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the South Dakota Automobile Dealers, opposed the delay until 2016. Krebs said the local governments would still get $2.6 million under the 2013 delay.
Rep. Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot, opposed the Krebs amendment and supported the delay until 2016 instead. “We know our local governments are in dire need of help,” Frerichs said.
Rep. Nick Moser, R-Yankton, said 3M, the company which produces the reflective material for the plates, would benefit from Krebs’ amendment. “I think this issue is based around one company, and counties need this money,” Moser said.
The final vote was 52-17.
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