House OKs PUC grain reforms

Talk about it

PIERRE — The state Public Utilities Commission would be allowed to put new financial reporting, monitoring and bonding requirements in place for grain buyers and grain warehouses in South Dakota as soon as possible, under a measure that cleared the state House of Representatives nearly unanimously Monday.

The changes would take effect April 1 for the start of the new licensing year. “All the new applications will fall under these guidelines,” said Rep. Charlie Hoffman, R-Eureka.

The vote was 66-2. The legislation, HB 1017, now moves to the Senate for consideration. Hoffman said state regulators developed the proposal after the February 2012 financial insolvency of Anderson Seed at Redfield. He said the changes are supported by the grain-handling industry.

Senate defers again on Brand Board bills

Republic Capitol Bureau

PIERRE — The state Senate delayed debate for a second time Monday on the state Brand Board’s legislation that would change livestock ownership inspections in western South Dakota.

The board wants to eliminate ownership inspections for horses and mules. The board also wants authority to charge up to $25 for inspectors to conduct what’s known as a local inspection at a ranch or other special location rather than as part of a sale day at an auction market.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is opposing both measures, SB 16 and SB 21.