State Senate approves new license plate option to potentially fund road maintenance

The South Dakota State Senate this week approved a new optional licenses plate that could generate millions of dollars for road maintenance. SB 24 would create a solid-background license plate option, including black plates with white lettering and white place with black lettering. These would cost motorists $100 at initial issuance and $100 per year at renewal. The bill required a two-thirds vote because they deposit the fee revenue into a continuously appropriated fund. The Senate passed SB 24 on a 31-2 vote, with two senators excused. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.