State House lawmakers are passing two bills that allow South Dakotans to order out-of-state cigars and test out hobby craft brewed beer at a local competition.
Ideas for these bills were brought to lawmakers’ attention by people in their district.
Just ask, and maybe you shall receive.
At least that’s the case with two bills passed by one chamber of the state legislature.
Republican Representative Tim Reed, of Brookings, says a constituent came to him about being able to order cigars from out of state.
“They can’t necessarily get cigars they want, so they like to order them in,” Reed says. “We’re only one of two states that don’t allow cigars to be shipped from out of state into the state.”
Reed says taxes on those cigars will remain the same as taxes brought from a local store. Reed also says in-state cigar shops will be able sell across and out of state, if the bill becomes law.
Another constituent bill, brought by Republican Kirk Chaffee, allows home brewers to bring their beer to events like tasting competitions.
Says this bill affects home brewers who are limited to brewing 200 gallons a year. Chaffee likens it to a chili-cookoff.
“It’s brewed at their home for personal, family use. It’s just that now they can take it from their home and do a little sampling testing on it,” Chaffee says. “They might grow into one of the big guys, or something like that. This is a hobby-centric type bill, it’s a fun bill. Anything to get people interested in the sport, so to say.”
Both bills passed overwhelmingly in the House and now head to the state Senate.
