PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee killed two bills concerning South Dakota’s Brand Board today (Thursday).
The moves end legislative attempts to increase livestock inspection fees and change departmental oversight.
House Bill 1213, which would have allowed the maximum livestock inspection fee to increase from $1.00 to $1.35 per head, failed on a 5-2 vote.
House Bill 1266, which proposed moving the Brand Board from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the Office of School and Public Lands, died on a 4-3 vote.
The committee sent both bills to the “41st day,” a procedural move that kills legislation.
The inspection fee has seen minimal increases since its establishment. According to testimony, in 1924, the cost was 10 cents per head of livestock, and it has only risen to $1.00 over the nearly century-long period.
During committee hearings, DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts and South Dakota Stockgrowers Association representatives exchanged sharp disagreements over the bills.
“The current structure provides necessary oversight and accountability,” Roberts testified. “These changes would disrupt established administrative processes without demonstrated benefits.”
Scott Edoff, representing the Stockgrowers, countered that the current system wasn’t meeting producer needs.
“Our members face unnecessary delays that impact on their operations and livelihoods,” Edoff said. “The inspection fee increase is long-overdue considering inflation and operational costs.”
Sen. Tom Pischke, R-Dell Rapids, who moved to kill HB 1266, worried about creating additional bureaucracy.
“Moving departments around creates more government, not less,” Pischke said before the vote.
Bill opponents have expressed concerns over where their fees are going and have called for a comprehensive audit for years, including this year.
With the 2025 legislative session nearing its end, lawmakers expect no further action on Brand Board legislation this year.
