CHAPTER 237

(HB 1023)

Rural fire-fighting assistance and equipment from
the Department of Agriculture, scope of services revised.


         ENTITLED, An Act to  revise the scope of services provided by the state fire equipment shop and to authorize the shop to charge for costs incurred for rural fire assistance programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

     Section  1.  That § 34-31-6 be amended to read as follows:

     34-31-6.   The secretary of agriculture or his designee Department of Agriculture shall operate a fire equipment shop to acquire and renovate equipment and distribute fire equipment, supplies and parts, that are not available through the Bureau of Administration, and federal and state excess vehicles and property to counties and volunteer rural fire departments or districts for the suppression of rural fires. The department may charge recipients for reasonable direct and indirect costs of providing such rural fire equipment, vehicles, and supplies to counties and rural fire departments or districts. The department may administer federal and state cost assistance programs related to such rural fire protection. The vehicles and property may be provided with clear title by the division department to counties and volunteer rural fire departments or districts, or the title may be retained by the state or federal government .

     Section  2.  That § 34-31-8 be amended to read as follows:

     34-31-8.   Notwithstanding the provisions of §   5-23-2, the secretary of agriculture or his designee Department of Agriculture may purchase used motor vehicles and equipment at auctions of federal and state surplus property, or from public and private utility companies, irrespective of whether or not the sellers of said the vehicles are licensed dealers as required by §   5-23-2, for distribution to fire departments or districts for fire suppression. The department may charge recipients for reasonable direct and indirect costs of providing such rural fire equipment, vehicles, and supplies to counties and rural fire departments or districts. The department may administer federal and state cost assistance programs related to such rural fire protection.

     Section  3.  That § 34-31-9 be repealed.



     Signed February 9, 2004.

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