South Dakota Bills

in committee · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 210: provide that a portion of revenues from wind farms remain with school districts.

The provided bill text only shows an amendment to education funding definitions (§ 13-13-10.1) and does not include the specific provision about wind farm revenues mentioned in the bill title. The text defines terms like "fall enrollment" and "target teacher ratio" but omits any mechanism for allocating wind farm revenues to school districts. Without the actual revenue-sharing language or relevant sections of the bill, a factual summary cannot be generated from the given context.

Nicole Uhre-Balk (D) Will Mortenson (R) Eric Emery (D) Carl Perry (R) Kent Roe (R)

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1278: prohibit certain political committees from accepting contributions by certain officers or employees of this state.

HB 1278 prohibits state official campaign committees and affiliated political action committees from accepting contributions from certain state employees. Specifically, it bans contributions from department heads, the highest-paid non-head employee in a department, or any employee who reports directly to a state official. This applies to committees tied to officials including the Governor, legislators, and cabinet members like the Attorney General. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, aiming to prevent potential conflicts of interest by restricting donations from employees in close proximity to decision-makers.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1305: prohibit the dissemination of location information about a public officer and provide a penalty and civil cause of action therefor.

HB 1305 prohibits sharing the home, work, or school location of a public officer (current or former) or their family without consent, specifically when intended to harass, threaten, or cause fear for safety. It makes violations a Class 6 felony and creates a civil lawsuit option for affected officers to recover damages (including emotional distress), attorney fees, and punitive damages. The law directly affects public officers and their households by restricting location information dissemination under these conditions. It applies regardless of whether criminal charges are filed for the same act.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1067: provide a rebuttable presumption in favor of joint physical custody of a minor child.

HB 1067 creates a legal presumption in South Dakota that joint physical custody (approximately equal time with both parents) is in the best interest of a minor child for initial custody decisions. This means courts must assume joint custody is appropriate unless evidence shows it would harm the child, based on factors like parental cooperation or the child's needs. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody disputes by shifting the starting point for court decisions toward shared parenting. It defines joint physical custody as roughly equal time-sharing agreed upon by parents or ordered by a court, and repeals a prior section that handled custody determinations. Courts must still make written findings about the child's best interests.

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1123: establish a pilot program to provide benefits for menstrual hygiene products and diapers for individuals who receive temporary assistance for needy families, and to make an appropriation therefor.

HB 1123 establishes a pilot program in South Dakota to provide monthly benefits for menstrual hygiene products and diapers to individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Specifically, it allocates $14 per month for TANF participants aged 18-50 who experience menstruation and $30 per month for diapers for children under three in their care. Benefits will be distributed via existing TANF electronic benefit cards, with funds restricted to approved products and unspent amounts carried over monthly. The program, funded by a $2.5 million appropriation, requires a legislative evaluation report by September 2027 and expires June 30, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1098: amend certain provisions pertaining to special education funding.

HB 1098 adjusts South Dakota's special education funding formula by establishing annual per-student funding amounts for six disability levels (e.g., $7,650.45 for "level one" disabilities in 2025) that increase yearly based on inflation (using the Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower). It also requires school districts to reduce local tax levies if local revenue growth exceeds student need growth statewide. The bill directly affects South Dakota school districts (which receive the funding) and students with disabilities (who qualify for services based on their disability level). Key provisions include standardized funding rates per disability classification and a new $1.26 per $1,000 valuation local levy rate for 2026 and beyond.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SJR 505: proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting the assessed value of real property and limiting real property taxes.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit property taxes in South Dakota to no more than 1% of a property's assessed value. It also caps annual increases to assessed property values at 2% (starting with 2027 valuations) and allows adjustments for ownership changes, renovations, or damage. The amendment would affect all real property owners in South Dakota by restricting how local governments can levy taxes on their land and buildings. Voters would need to approve this change at the next general election for it to take effect.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1034: increase fees for decals and license plates mailed to vehicle owners.

HB 1034 would increase fees for vehicle decals and license plates mailed directly to owners. Specifically, it raises the fee to $2.50 per decal set and $12 per license plate set when mailed. This change directly affects South Dakota vehicle owners who choose to have their decals or plates sent by mail instead of picking them up in person. The bill amends existing law to implement these higher mailing fees, which apply only to mail-delivered items, not in-person transactions. The policy change is limited to the fee structure for mailed vehicle registration materials.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 54: revise the conditions for in-service distributions from the South Dakota deferred compensation plan.

SB 54 allows South Dakota state employees aged 59.5 or older to withdraw money from their deferred compensation plan while still employed, without stopping future contributions. This new option, added to existing conditions like retirement, death, or emergencies, lets participants choose any permitted withdrawal method. It directly affects state workers enrolled in the deferred compensation plan who meet the age requirement. The bill does not change other distribution rules or eligibility for emergency withdrawals.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1030: amend provisions pertaining to the timing of municipal elections.

HB 1030 revises timing rules for municipal elections in South Dakota, primarily affecting cities and towns holding elections on annexation, dissolution, or consolidation. It requires that questions like annexation must be held within 60 days of certain actions or included in the next annual election if filed within 90 days prior, reducing separate special elections. The bill also adjusts deadlines for special election notices and aligns board term lengths with even-year elections. These changes streamline election scheduling for all South Dakota municipalities conducting these specific vote types.

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 172: enhance the economy of South Dakota.

SB 172 is a procedural bill that declares the Legislature's intent to "enhance the economy of South Dakota" but contains no specific provisions, mechanisms, or policy changes. It does not identify affected groups, outline funding sources, or describe implementation steps. The bill consists solely of a single-sentence declaration with no concrete measures. As such, it serves only as a general statement without actionable policy.

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1168: provide a property tax credit for the payment of nonpublic school tuition.

HB 1168 creates a property tax credit for South Dakota homeowners who pay for qualifying K-12 education expenses for children aged 5-19. The credit covers tuition, school fees (including sports/fine arts), textbooks, tutoring, test fees, transportation, and educational technology. It limits the credit to $1,000 per year or 80% of the school district taxes owed. Homeowners must apply annually by June 1st with documentation from the school or alternative instruction provider.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Bill results