HB 1326 allocates state funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover ordinary expenses of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, state institutions, public debt interest, and common schools. The bill establishes budget limits for various state agencies and departments, including the Governor's office, economic development initiatives, housing authority, and science and technology programs. Key provisions include reducing $20 million in federal grant authority for expiring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act broadband grants while maintaining funding for other economic development services. The legislation sets expenditure caps for each budget unit and allows agencies to use base funds to supplement line item changes, with conditions effective through June 30, 2027.
SB 222 appropriates $10 million from South Dakota's general fund to the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for grants supporting water, wastewater, storm water, and nonpoint source pollution projects. It directly affects municipalities and water systems serving residents, with funding calculated as a percentage of project costs based on population: up to 80% for systems serving ≤1,000 people (capped at $9,000/person), 50% for 1,001-2,500 people ($7,000/person), and 30% for >2,500 people ($3,000/person). Projects addressing regionalization, drought resiliency, or environmental compliance may exceed these caps, and engineering studies for long-term water issues can receive up to 100% funding. The bill declares an emergency to expedite funding and requires projects to align with the state water plan.
SB 231 creates a Water Infrastructure Development Fund to support rural water projects in South Dakota. The fund, initially seeded with $3 million from the state general fund (Section 2), provides grants (up to 10% of project costs) and loans (up to 50% of project costs) managed by the Board of Water and Natural Resources (Section 1). It directly affects rural communities needing upgrades to water infrastructure, such as new systems or repairs. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon passage (Section 3).
SB 78 adjusts specific funding amounts in South Dakota's 2026 state budget for multiple agencies, including increases for the Governor's Office of Economic Development (General Funds +$300,000) and Bureau of Finance and Management (General Funds +$741,895). The bill modifies line-item appropriations across departments like Social Services, Tourism, and Parks without changing program eligibility or service requirements. It reflects revised budget allocations for existing operations, not new policies or benefits. The changes are purely fiscal adjustments to the General Appropriations Act.
South Dakota's SB 96 allows counties to impose a 0.5% sales tax on taxable goods, digital products, and services (following state sales tax rules). All revenue from this county-level tax must go into a dedicated "property tax reduction fund." The fund is used to reduce property taxes on owner-occupied homes first, then agricultural and other land types, with all reductions applied equally across qualifying properties. Counties must adopt an ordinance to implement the tax and may hold a voter referendum on the proposal.
SB 69 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for purchasing a new Highway Patrol airplane, related mission equipment, and installation. This bill directly affects the Highway Patrol division by funding equipment upgrades for aerial operations. The key mechanism is a specific budget allocation with a requirement that unspent funds revert per state procedures. The bill also declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval.
SB 79 appropriates $6 million from South Dakota's general fund to build an advanced manufacturing lab and classrooms at Southeast Technical College. The college must first secure $18 million in outside funding (gifts, grants, etc.) before the state funds are released, with no bonds allowed for the project. The bill declares an emergency to expedite the construction, requiring the state auditor to pay for approved expenses. This directly affects Southeast Technical College students, faculty, and local manufacturing industry partners by expanding hands-on training facilities. The funding is conditional on the college meeting its financial match requirement.
HB 1200 appropriates $8 million from South Dakota's general fund to the Department of Public Safety for grants to nonprofit organizations providing specific victim services. It directly supports nonprofits focused on helping children abused or neglected, domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims, or victims of commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking. The bill allows grant funds to cover 24/7 emergency services, counseling, crisis lines, case management, sexual assault nurse examiner training, and child advocacy center services - excluding new programs or legal aid. Nonprofits must apply annually between July 1 and August 31, report on services delivered, and prioritize organizations seeking additional funding. The appropriation becomes effective June 30, 2026.
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 1244 repeals South Dakota’s special donations fund (created under § 13-66-3) and appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education. This grant supports the Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota program by providing financial assistance to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools implementing the initiative. The funds must match private donations or federal grants for program operations and cannot be added to an endowment. It directly affects schools participating in the JAG program and transfers existing funds from the repealed special donations fund into the general fund. The bill takes effect June 30, 2026.
