Local Government

HB 1258 requires South Dakota county treasurers to include a scannable QR code and website address on all mailed property tax bills. This website, maintained by the Department of Revenue, must provide property tax information and details about state tax relief programs. The QR code and URL must be clearly visible in at least 12-point font on each tax bill sent to homeowners. The bill directly affects property taxpayers by mandating easier access to official tax resources.

HB 1245 allows South Dakota municipalities to create a local tax (up to 1% on taxable sales) to fund capital projects like infrastructure repairs, equipment purchases, or building renovations. To implement this, a municipality must form a Capital Improvement Board (with 1 elected official and 4 residents) to review proposals, secure board approval, and then hold a voter referendum requiring 60% support. All tax revenue must be placed in a special fund dedicated exclusively to approved capital projects, with the tax expiring after 60 months or once the targeted revenue amount is met. Municipalities cannot use this tax if they’ve imposed it within the previous 24 months.

HB 1161 defines "female" and "male" based on biological reproductive systems and requires state-owned or leased facilities (like schools, government buildings, and public spaces) to designate multi-occupancy changing rooms, restrooms, and sleeping quarters for exclusive use by males or females. The bill specifies that exceptions apply for children under 10 with parents, individuals assisting those with disabilities, emergency personnel, and certain maintenance staff. It also clarifies that gender-specific designations do not apply to rooms used by firefighters, law enforcement, or performers in their professional capacity. The law directly affects public facilities operated by the state or its subdivisions.

HB 1320 clarifies how legal documents must be served on county boards of commissioners in South Dakota. It revises two sections of state law: first, specifying that appeals against board decisions must be served on board members or affected parties (§7-8-29), and second, updating service rules to state that delivering documents to any county administrator, auditor, commissioner, executive, or registered agent of the county or board constitutes valid service (§15-6-4(d)(2)(i)). This change directly affects individuals filing appeals against county board decisions and legal professionals handling such cases. The bill streamlines the service process for county government entities without altering substantive legal rights.

HB 1092 updates South Dakota's open records law by clarifying which government records can be kept private. It exempts specific categories, including student personal information (except directory details), medical records (excluding birth/death records), trade secrets, attorney work product, law enforcement investigation details, property appraisal records, and security plans for buildings or critical infrastructure. The bill explicitly states it does not change existing laws regarding birth/death records or certain law enforcement privileges. This affects public entities like schools, hospitals, police departments, and government agencies that handle these exempt records.