Senate panel backs higher inspection and license fees
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — State licensing fees for plumbers and accountancy services, along with inspection fees for electrical and plumbing installations, all would cost more under proposals that advanced in the South Dakota Legislature on Tuesday.
The Senate Commerce and Energy Committee endorsed the proposals and sent them to the full Senate for consideration.
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Senate Bill 24 would raise fees for licensing plumbing and inspecting plumbing work. The Senate could consider it Wednesday afternoon.
State Plumbing Commission executive director Mandy Nielsen said the current fees aren't sufficient for the commission's operations, including site inspections. The increases would allow the commission to offer a new online licensing system and hire a sixth inspector, according to Nielsen.
'Right now our funding is not going to be sufficient for that,' she said.
The higher fees were supported by Kristie Brunick, executive vice president for the South Dakota Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors. Speaking against the increases was Erica Douglas of Spearfish, who said fees are taxes by another name. 'I would ask that there be a halt to raising fees for all businesses,' Douglas said.
The Senate panel voted 7-2 to send SB24 forward.
would raise inspection fees for electrical installations. State Electrical Commission director Pamela Overweg said the increases are 'imperative' to offset the effects of inflation, fill two vacancies among the 16 full-time inspectors and replace an outdated database.
Overweg said the commission has received 'many complaints' about delays in getting inspectors to work sites. The commission will be forced to reduce service and increase wait times for inspections without an increase, according to Overweg.
No one else spoke in favor, while Douglas opposed the hikes. The Senate committee voted 7-2 to endorse SB31.
seeks higher licensing fees for people in accountancy services. State Accountancy Board executive director Nicole Kasin said operating costs increased significantly during the past five years. 'As such the board's cash balance has decreased the past two fiscal years,' she said.
The increases were supported by Sam Matson, representing the South Dakota CPA Society. He noted that licensing fees are higher in neighboring states.
The Senate panel advanced it on an 8-1 vote.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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