This bill amends South Dakota law to prohibit the use of the South Dakota public utilities commission gross receipts tax fund for reimbursing the Public Utilities Commission for any additional costs incurred. Specifically, it adds a new provision stating that "Moneys from the South Dakota public utilities commission gross receipts tax fund, as established in 49-1A-2, may not be used to reimburse the commission for any additional costs incurred." This change aims to ensure that the commission's operational costs are not covered by this specific fund, thereby potentially safeguarding the fund for its intended purposes.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing fee structure for applicants filing with the commission. It maintains the current fee calculation method but clarifies that the minimum total fee chargeable cannot be less than twenty thousand dollars and is nonrefundable unless ordered by the commission. The bill also allows for an increase in fees if an environmental impact statement is required, while excluding cases where a detailed environmental impact study has already been completed under federal regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the financial accountability of the commission and streamline the fee process for applicants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/27/2024: 49-41B-12
Senate Commerce and Energy Engrossed, 03/06/2025: 49-41B-12
Enrolled, 03/12/2025: 49-41B-12