PIERRE, S.D. (AP) _ A BILL RAISING SOUTH DAKOTA’S ANNUAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES HAS MADE IT THROUGH THE STATE LEGISLATURE.
     THE SENATE VOTED 31-3 ON MONDAY TO PASS THE BILL, EVEN THOUGH GOV. DENNIS DAUGAARD HAS THREATENED TO VETO THE MEASURE. THE HOUSE PASSED THE BILL EARLIER BY A WIDE MARGIN.
     THE BILL WOULD RAISE AN EXTRA $31 MILLION A YEAR TO HELP COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS AND CITIES TAKE CARE OF ROADS AND BRIDGES. PART OF THE INCREASE WOULD TAKE EFFECT THIS YEAR, WITH THE REST TAKING EFFECT IN 2013.
     FEE-RAISING MEASURES TAKE A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY TO PASS THE LEGISLATURE. THE SAME MARGIN IS NEEDED TO OVERRIDE A VETO.
     THE BILL WOULD RAISE REGISTRATION FEES IN TWO STAGES. IT ALSO REDUCES THE NUMBER OF OLD VEHICLES THAT GET A DISCOUNT ON REGISTRATION FEES.