Senate Concurrent Resolution 605 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the monarch butterfly's ecological importance and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts in South Dakota. It urges state agencies, local governments, and land managers to preserve existing milkweed habitats where practical and prioritize pollinator-friendly native seed mixes - including milkweed - in plantings that align with land management goals. The resolution specifically emphasizes voluntary cooperation with landowners and agricultural operations, avoiding regulatory impacts, while urging federal agencies to support these efforts through technical assistance. It does not create new legal requirements but formally supports existing conservation practices.
HB 1147 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for a single grant to a statewide food distribution organization. This organization must distribute food to all counties across South Dakota, with at least $1.5 million of the grant required to purchase food directly from local South Dakota farmers and producers. The bill mandates annual reports detailing grant spending, types/amounts of food purchased, and distribution to food pantries, to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture until the full grant is expended. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and is intended to support food pantries statewide while prioritizing local agricultural purchases.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 606 urges the South Dakota Conservancy District to apply for a future use permit to reserve 500,000 acre-feet of Missouri River water annually for the state's long-term needs. It specifically directs the Conservancy District to file this application and report its progress to the Legislative Research Council by November 30, 2026. The resolution does not create new law but emphasizes the importance of securing water rights through existing legal procedures under South Dakota law. It directly affects the Conservancy District as the entity responsible for managing the state's water resources. The focus is on proactive planning for future water availability, not on immediate regulatory changes.
This resolution supports South Dakota's request to Congress for authorization and federal funding of specific rural water projects identified by the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS). It directly affects rural communities across South Dakota relying on four key regional systems: Dakota Mainstem (central/southern), Western Dakota (western), Lewis and Clark (expansion planning), and Water Investment in Northern SD. The resolution urges coordination between local water providers, state agencies, and federal partners to advance these projects through congressional authorization under the Bureau of Reclamation. It does not create new projects but formally requests federal action to enable existing regional water supply solutions addressing documented water quantity and quality needs.
HB 1137 allocates $40 million from state funds for the design and construction of a new athletic facility at the University of South Dakota. The facility will include an indoor track, practice areas, seating for 2,000 spectators, and supporting amenities like locker rooms and training spaces. The bill allows for cost adjustments up to 125% of the original estimate to account for inflation or regulatory changes, and declares an emergency to expedite the project. Unspent funds would revert per state procedures, and the project cannot create state debt or liens. The bill directly affects the University of South Dakota's athletic programs and facilities.
South Dakota's Senate Joint Resolution 502 is a state application to the U.S. Congress seeking to trigger a constitutional convention under Article V. It requests Congress call a convention specifically to propose an amendment fixing the U.S. Supreme Court's composition at one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This resolution does not change the Court's current size (nine justices total) but formally asks Congress to begin the process for a constitutional amendment. The application is a procedural step intended to be part of a broader effort requiring support from two-thirds of state legislatures to proceed.
SJR 501 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit South Dakota legislators to a maximum of 16 consecutive years (equivalent to eight terms) in total service across both the Senate and House of Representatives. This would replace the current limit of eight consecutive years (four terms) in a single chamber. The amendment clarifies that partial terms from appointments (per Article IV, § 3) do not count toward this 16-year limit. Voters would decide on this change at the next general election.
SB 227 sets a 75% damage threshold for insurers to declare a motor vehicle a total loss. Insurers cannot classify a car as totaled unless repair costs meet or exceed 75% of its actual cash value (current market value based on make, model, mileage, and condition). Vehicle owners may still request a total loss declaration below this threshold with written consent. This bill directly affects auto insurance companies and vehicle owners in South Dakota by changing how insurers determine total loss claims.
SB 239 modifies South Dakota's reinvestment payment program for businesses that complete qualifying projects. It requires project owners to submit detailed affidavits within six months of completion, including costs, tax payments, contractor lists, and project details, to qualify for rebates. The bill creates a dedicated fund to reimburse businesses for South Dakota sales, use, and contractors excise taxes paid on approved projects, while exempting gross receipts from these taxes for qualifying projects. It also sets clear deadlines for filings and specifies that costs beyond three years from construction (with possible one-year extension) are ineligible for rebates. This directly affects businesses completing projects under the program who seek tax rebates on eligible construction expenses.
SB 211 prohibits ambulance providers from billing patients for out-of-network emergency services beyond required coinsurance, copayments, or deductibles. It requires health insurance plans to reimburse out-of-network ambulance providers at local rates (or 325% of Medicare rates if no local rate exists) within 30 days, and mandates clear billing explanations for patients. The law also establishes a complaint process through the Division of Insurance for violations and requires the division to post reimbursement rates online by 2027. It excludes self-funded employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and other federally regulated programs from these rules.
This bill reduces property taxes for homeowners by lowering the mill levy rate on owner-occupied single-family homes from $5.21 to $20.51 per $1,000 of taxable value (with the exact figure clarified in the bill text). It simultaneously raises the state sales tax from 4.2% to 4.7% for 2026-2027 and to 5% after 2027, and expands the gross receipts tax to cover more services like dry cleaning, beauty shops, and rentals. The revenue from these tax increases is explicitly allocated to replace lost school district property tax revenue and fund pay raises for state and school employees. The bill ensures school districts maintain their total funding levels under the new system.
This bill (SC 812) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Glenn Muller, a South Dakota agricultural leader. It formally commends his career in the state's pork industry, including his work with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, his role in expanding swine operations, and his advocacy for agriculture. The resolution specifically recognizes his receipt of awards like the South Dakota Corn Growers Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 Governor's Ag Ambassador designation. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for his contributions to South Dakota agriculture.
