South Dakota Bills

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1225: enhance the future of education in South Dakota.

HB 1225 is a procedural resolution with no concrete policy provisions. It merely states in Section 1: "The Legislature shall enhance the future of education in South Dakota," without specifying any mechanisms, funding, programs, or affected parties. The bill contains no actionable requirements or changes to existing law. As a non-substantive resolution, it does not implement any tangible education policy.

passed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 193: clarify the definition of backup electric generation.

SB 193 clarifies the definition of "backup electric generation" in South Dakota law, specifically defining it as temporary, grid-isolated power used only when primary electricity sources fail. This definition directly affects electric utilities, the Public Utilities Commission (referred to as "Commission" in the bill), and regulatory processes for energy facilities. The key mechanism is amending Section 49-41B-2(3) to explicitly state that backup generation is not interconnected with the grid and serves as a temporary replacement for primary power. This change ensures regulatory clarity for the Commission when reviewing facility permits and expansions. The bill does not alter existing requirements but provides a clear standard for future regulatory decisions.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1080: allow a business owner who is a veteran to display military specialty plates on a noncommercial vehicle registered to the veteran's business and to limit personal liability to the business owner and veteran.

HB 1080 allows veteran business owners to display military specialty plates on noncommercial vehicles (like personal cars or vans) registered to their business, provided the veteran is listed as an additional owner on the vehicle's title. It also limits the veteran's personal liability for damages from accidents involving these business vehicles. The bill requires the veteran to meet standard military plate eligibility and vehicle registration rules, with a $10 additional fee for the specialty plates. This directly affects veteran business owners who operate noncommercial vehicles under their business registration.

Topics ✓ Veterans

failed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 199: establish a new fund to provide property tax relief.

SB 199 creates a Property Tax Relief Fund in the state treasury to help reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses. The fund is funded by transferring 25% of the annual increase in the state's general fund revenue each August into the account, starting in 2026. Local governments (political subdivisions) can use these funds to lower property tax levies on real property within their jurisdictions. The Department of Revenue administers the fund, and deposits automatically adjust based on state revenue changes each year. This provides a structured, ongoing mechanism for property tax relief tied to state budget growth.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 91: clarify the procedure for petitioning a board of county commissioners for a change to the comprehensive plan or zoning ordinances.

SB 91 clarifies the process for citizens to request changes to a county's comprehensive plan or zoning ordinances by setting specific deadlines. It requires county commissioners to hold a public hearing within 45 days of receiving a petition, and mandates the county planning commission to review the request and provide a recommendation within 45 days of the petition's submission. This bill directly affects residents, property owners, and local government officials by streamlining the petition process and ensuring timely responses. The key mechanism adds clear timeframes to existing procedures, reducing delays in reviewing land-use change requests. The bill focuses solely on procedural timing, not on the substance of zoning decisions.

failed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1230: modify requirements for payment of the employer's investment in South Dakota's future fee.

HB 1230 modifies the requirements for South Dakota employers to pay an "investment in South Dakota's future fee" (a separate charge from unemployment insurance contributions). It establishes a new opt-in/opt-out system: employers can choose not to pay the fee by submitting a simple form (fitting on one page), and those who opt out face no penalties. Employers who opt in pay a fee rate based on their unemployment fund balance (ranging from 0.00% to 0.53%), with rates adjusted annually according to specific schedule tables. The fee proceeds go to a dedicated fund, not the main unemployment trust, and employers cannot deduct the fee from employee wages.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1020: increase the maximum amount allowable for the livestock ownership inspection fee and to declare an emergency.

HB 1020 increases the maximum allowable fee for livestock ownership inspections from $1.65 per head to a higher amount, as specified in amended law. The bill directly affects livestock owners in South Dakota who pay this inspection fee when registering or transferring livestock brands. It amends Section 40-18-16 of South Dakota law to raise the fee cap, requested by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The bill also declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon passage. This change adjusts the fee structure for livestock branding and inspection compliance without altering existing fee collection practices.