PIERRE, S.D. – A bill to allow the State Brand Board to hire four certified law enforcement officers passed out of committee Tuesday morning in Pierre.
HB 1112 was supported by both the South Dakota Stockgrowers and the South Dakota Cattleman Associations, a rare co-endorsement from the two groups.
The bill was amended to declare an emergency and allow the State Brand Board to hire four law officers immediately upon being signed into law.
Currently, one law officer within the Attorney General’s Office is assigned to work brand cases but more agents can be assigned when necessary.
Prime sponsor Thomas Brunner says no state funds will be used for the additional officers. Lawmakers raised brand registration fees in 2019 which will fund the additional enforcement measures.
HB 1112 passed out of committee on a 12 aye, 1 excuse vote. The bill will next go to the House floor for consideration.
