South Dakota’s legislative budget panel Dec. 1 rejected the use of $15,000 in federal funds to hire undercover agents who would take behind-the-wheel driving tests that are required of commercial driving license applicants at nonpublic testing sites.

Tom Dravland, state public safety secretary, told The Associated Press there are 29 sites in the state. He said federal officials are strongly suggesting that states conduct covert testing of independent examiners, but many Interim Appropriations Committee members were skeptical of the idea.

“Are we assuming that they’re doing improper testing?” asked Sen. Jerry Apa, R-Lead. “I hope it’s all above board.”

Those who provide independent testing of commercial drivers do a good job and are closely monitored now, added Rep. Bill Napoli, R-Rapid City. They should not be subject to additional scrutiny, he told The AP.

“These testers are checked every single day,” Napoli said. “We’re just coming up with money for a problem we don’t have.”

Dravland acknowledged there have been no indications of problems with independent commercial driver’s license testers, but he said it didn’t hurt to monitor them more closely.

“There’s really only one way to know for sure,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t hurt to be checking.”