• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Amid laughter and good-natured jokes, lawmakers narrowly rejected a plan Tuesday that would have provided $1 fishing licenses to people over 85 years old.
• Supporters said the plan would be a nice perk for the elderly, but opponents argued that the bill would interfere with state management and become the only license fee proscribed in law. The South Dakota House eventually rejected the plan on a 37-32 vote.
• Rep. Elizabeth May, R-Kyle, originally intended the bill to authorize free licenses for the elderly. But officials with the state Games, Fish and Parks Department objected, saying they could lose federal dollars if the number of licenses they sold dropped dramatically. That prompted May to offer an amendment to charge $1 for adults over age 85.
• She noted that her 91-year-old mother fished every day and, along with other seniors, could benefit from the bill.
• May lightheartedly argued that the measure would promote economic development on a small scale, because beneficiaries would return their $11 savings to the economy through purchase of bait or supplies. House members laughed at the argument.
• Rep. Mike Verchio said he didn't want to cross any 85-year-olds, but the Hill City Republican noted that seniors already have a discount on fishing licenses.
• "It's a great buy for a dollar. It's a great buy for $12," he said.
• He suggested May buy her mother a license for Christmas each year. Rep. Dick Werner, R-Huron, gave her the money to do so, evoking a big laugh in the chamber. Other opponents said it would take authority from the Games, Fish and Parks Department.
• The bill was initially defeated 36-33, but May persisted and requested a revote by arguing: "If mama's not happy, nobody's happy." Although she was able to sway three legislators to change their vote, four others swapped the other direction.
•