Senate Panel Hears Pros, Cons Of New Record Fees

PIERRE, SD - Searching for someone's public records could get more expensive if a bill under consideration by a Senate panel turns into law.

Chief Justice David Gilbertson of the South Dakota Supreme Court says the revenue gained from increasing the search fee from $15 to $25 would help offset a budget reduction while the court system pays for a new technology program.

State Court Administrator Patricia Duggan says the record search fee contributes to the court automation fund, which yields about $6 million in revenue for judicial projects. She says court expenses will surpass $7 million this year.

But property managers, landlords and media representatives say the higher fee will cut into their own profit margins. 

On Monday, the Senate State Affairs Committee postponed action until later this week.