HB 1293 appropriates $6.8 million from South Dakota's general fund to increase benefit amounts for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It directs the Department of Social Services to provide TANF benefits equal to fiscal year 2025 levels starting immediately and continuing through July 1, 2027. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation of these increased benefits. This funding directly affects TANF recipients by raising their monthly support payments for a two-year period.
This non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 608) urges South Dakota restaurants, grocery stores, and food service businesses to collaborate with nonprofits to donate excess safe, edible food - reducing hunger and food waste. It references the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, which protects donors from liability for such donations, and encourages partnerships without creating new laws or requirements. The resolution does not impose mandates but seeks to promote existing donation practices aligned with federal protections.
HB 1043 allocates $978,294 to reimburse 12 specific rural healthcare professionals (4 family physicians, 2 physician assistants, and 6 nurse practitioners) who met requirements under §34-12G-3 for rural recruitment programs. It also allocates $370,000 to reimburse other eligible healthcare professionals meeting requirements under §34-12G-12. The funds come from the state general fund and are intended to cover costs incurred by providers who participated in designated rural recruitment initiatives. The bill declares an emergency to expedite funding, with unspent funds reverting per standard procedures.
SB 67 appropriates $4,205,497 from the general fund to a special emergency and disaster fund for costs related to emergencies or disasters impacting South Dakota, as defined by existing law. The bill directs the Department of Public Safety Secretary to approve payments and the state auditor to issue warrants for these expenses. It also declares an immediate state emergency to authorize the spending, effective upon passage. The funding directly supports state agencies managing disaster-related costs, with no new policy provisions beyond the financial allocation.
SB 68 appropriates $2,652,561 from the general fund to the state fire suppression special revenue fund to cover costs for suppressing wildfires across South Dakota. The bill authorizes the Department of Public Safety to approve payments for firefighting expenses and declares an emergency to allow immediate spending. Unspent funds must revert to the general fund per state law. This is a one-time funding measure specifically for active wildfire suppression efforts, not prevention or recovery.
SJR 504 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow South Dakota to authorize mobile and electronic wagering on sporting events. The amendment requires such wagering to be offered only through licensed Deadwood casinos with servers located within Deadwood, and mandates that 90% of tax revenue from these wagers must fund statewide property tax relief or reductions. If approved by voters, this would change the state constitution to permit this new form of betting, which is currently restricted under existing gambling laws. The amendment must be voted on by South Dakota residents at the next general election to take effect.
SB 63 establishes a State Office of Apprenticeship within South Dakota's Department of Labor and Regulation. The office will serve as the state's main agency for apprenticeships, setting standards for training programs, promoting apprenticeship opportunities, and resolving disputes between apprentices and employers. It directly affects apprentices, employers, and training programs participating in registered apprenticeships across South Dakota. The office will implement federal apprenticeship standards effective January 1, 2026, as outlined in 29 C.F.R. § 29.1-29.14.
SB 34 clarifies voting rules and election procedures for South Dakota municipalities and school districts. It defines key terms like "in conjunction with" (timing) and "combined with" (shared responsibilities), and updates residency requirements for voters (requiring actual residence in the municipality, with exceptions for students and military members with local home of record). The bill specifies when voter challenges can be made - only through established procedures (§ 12-18-10) - and adjusts notice requirements, mandating weekly publication of election notices for two weeks before elections, with specific timing windows. It applies directly to local election officials and voters in municipal/school district elections.
HB 1105 prevents property owners in specific areas from using contracts or declarations to block healthcare services on commercial property. It applies to municipalities/townships under 3,000 people (per federal census) or areas officially designated as medically underserved by South Dakota’s Department of Health. The bill invalidates any contract or declaration that restricts the use of commercial property for healthcare services like clinics, diagnoses, or treatment in these areas. This directly affects property owners and developers who previously could impose such restrictions, while enabling healthcare providers to operate in underserved communities.
HB 1150 provides $8 million in total funding ($4 million from the general fund and $4 million in federal fund expenditure authority) to the South Dakota Department of Social Services. This funding increases payment rates for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in South Dakota, as defined by federal regulations (42 C.F.R. § 405.2401). The bill directly affects FQHCs by raising reimbursement rates for services they provide, improving their funding stability. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and unspent amounts revert per standard state procedures.
SB 117 appropriates $5,040,000 for the design and construction of a new soccer venue at South Dakota State University (SDSU). The bill directly affects SDSU by funding the project through state funds and allows the Board of Regents to accept additional external funding (e.g., federal grants or donations) for the venue. It declares an emergency to expedite the project, stating the appropriation is necessary for supporting state public institutions. The bill includes provisions for cost adjustments due to inflation or regulatory changes but limits total funding to 125% of the initial $5.04 million estimate.
HB 1118 appropriates $1,720,000 to fund the design and construction of a new wean-to-finish barn addition at South Dakota State University's swine research facility. The bill directly affects SDSU's agricultural programs and swine research operations by enabling facility upgrades for raising pigs from weaning to market weight. Key provisions include allowing cost adjustments for inflation (up to 125% of the initial amount), accepting external funds (like federal grants or donations), and declaring an emergency to expedite funding. The bill does not alter existing laws but provides specific funding for this infrastructure project.
