3/24/03-Gov. Mike Rounds has signed into law a bill intended to provide some relief to heavy haulers who currently are hit with hefty fines if they are found carrying too much weight.
HB1172, authored by Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, provides for plea bargains to be offered to some truckers when they are cited the first time under overweight truck regulations.
Under the bill, plea bargains would not be permitted for subsequent convictions within four years. Nor could plea bargains be struck Feb. 15 to April 30, when conditions make roads easier to damage.

2/28/03-A Senate committee unanimously backed a bill Feb. 26 that would provide some relief to heavy haulers who currently are hit with hefty fines if they are found carrying too much weight.
HB1172, authored by Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, would provide for plea bargains to be offered to some truckers when they are cited the first time under overweight truck regulations.
Under the bill, plea bargains would not be permitted for subsequent convictions within four years. Nor could plea bargains be struck Feb. 15 to April 30, when conditions make roads easier to damage.
The Senate Local Government Committee sent the bill to the full Senate. The House has already approved the measure. For bill status, call (605) 773-3851.

2/21/03-The House passed a bill providing for plea bargains to be offered to some truckers when they are cited the first time under overweight truck regulations.
Rep. Bill Napoli, R-Rapid City, called HB1172 a compromise between those who wanted to lower the penalties and those who wanted to keep them high. The bill passed the House Feb. 20 by a vote of 66-1.
Under the bill, no plea bargains could be struck Feb. 15 to April 30, when conditions make roads easier to damage, and 2nd or 3rd offenses could not be plea bargained either.
The measure has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee. For bill status, call (605) 773-3851.