South Dakota Legislature Holds Final Day of Annual Session

PIERRE - South Dakota legislative leaders expect a short working session when lawmakers meet for the final day of this year's legislative session.

The main item facing the Legislature on Monday is Gov. Dennis Daugaard's veto of a measure that would increase a fee imposed to fund the state's inspection of commercial fertilizer. The fee increase would finance research into fertilizer, but the governor calls it an unneeded tax.

Supporters argue the research is needed to avoid U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

The Legislature can override the veto if two-thirds majorities in both the Senate and House vote to pass the measure over the governor's objections.

The Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee also is meeting Monday to issue letters that direct state agencies on how to use money included in the state budget.

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