Measure to transform Brand Board clears House with veto-proof majority

Legislation would move commission under the School and Public Lands Commissioner

Photo by Subtle Cinematics on Unsplash

PIERRE — The latest attempt to steer control of a crucial commission away from the Governor’s Office is on its way to the state Senate.

The South Dakota State House gave a strong endorsement to House Bill 1266, which would remove the state’s Brand Board from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and place it under the Office of School and Public Lands.

A bevy of lawmakers both past and current have made a run at similar reforms over the years, representing South Dakota ranchers who argue the board has not done its job. The board is responsible for registering and regulating livestock brands, as well as investigating rustling claims.

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