This bill extends the deadline for unspent funds allocated to modernize South Dakota's state enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. It amends existing law to delay the date when unused funds must revert to the general fund from June 30, 2029. The change directly affects state agencies managing the ERP modernization project, providing additional time to obligate or spend these funds. The key mechanism is modifying the reversion date in the 2023 appropriations law without altering the funding amount or project scope.
SB 223 modifies South Dakota's process for school districts to refer excess tax levies to voter approval. It changes the petition signature requirement from a flat 50 voters to "at least five percent of the registered voters" in the school district. The bill also adjusts notice rules, waiving newspaper publication requirements if the district mails the resolution to all property taxpayers within 20 days. This affects school districts seeking voter input on tax increases and directly impacts local taxpayers who may petition to refer levy decisions.
SB 73 revises South Dakota's state financial practices by requiring state agencies to file consulting contracts with the state auditor within five days of final approval and display these contracts, along with other specified contracts (like those for $10,000+ services), on a public website. It mandates that agencies retain original claims, invoices, and vouchers for at least seven years. The bill also adjusts mileage reimbursement rates, setting a standard rate of 51 cents per mile (or the IRS business rate, whichever is greater) for regular state vehicle use, and increasing it to 68 cents per mile for vehicles transporting individuals with special needs. These changes focus on improving transparency, record-keeping, and standardizing financial procedures across state agencies.
HB 1018 amends the deadline for unused funds allocated to the South Dakota Department of Education for renovating the Cultural Heritage Center. The bill specifies that any money not spent by June 30, 2028, must revert to the state treasury, preventing funds from being carried over indefinitely. This directly affects the Department of Education’s budget management for this specific renovation project. The change clarifies the existing reversion timeline without altering the deadline, ensuring funds are used within the established timeframe.
SB 67 appropriates $4,205,497 from the general fund to a special emergency and disaster fund for costs related to emergencies or disasters impacting South Dakota, as defined by existing law. The bill directs the Department of Public Safety Secretary to approve payments and the state auditor to issue warrants for these expenses. It also declares an immediate state emergency to authorize the spending, effective upon passage. The funding directly supports state agencies managing disaster-related costs, with no new policy provisions beyond the financial allocation.
SB 68 appropriates $2,652,561 from the general fund to the state fire suppression special revenue fund to cover costs for suppressing wildfires across South Dakota. The bill authorizes the Department of Public Safety to approve payments for firefighting expenses and declares an emergency to allow immediate spending. Unspent funds must revert to the general fund per state law. This is a one-time funding measure specifically for active wildfire suppression efforts, not prevention or recovery.
This bill increases the income limits for South Dakota's property tax assessment freeze program. It raises the current thresholds from $55,000 for single-member households and $65,000 for multiple-member households to higher levels that automatically adjust each year. The new limits will increase annually based on the greater of either the consumer price index (CPI) or the federal Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, starting January 1, 2027. This change helps more homeowners qualify for the tax freeze as inflation rises, directly affecting those with household incomes near the new thresholds who own and occupy single-family homes.
SB 205 revises drone registration fees in South Dakota, charging 1.5% of purchase price for agricultural drones and 2% for all other drones. The collected fees fund a new "drone aviation fund" administered by the Board of Technical Education to support drone training grants at state technical colleges. This bill directly affects drone owners (especially agricultural users) by changing their registration tax rates and creating a dedicated funding source for drone industry workforce development. The fund will receive all drone registration fees and interest, with expenditures requiring annual budget approval. The bill does not apply to small unmanned aircraft systems covered under federal regulations.
SB 216 limits annual property tax valuation increases for owner-occupied single-family homes in South Dakota to 3% per year, starting from a base value determined by either the 2020 market value or the sale price if purchased between 2020 and 2026. The bill directly affects homeowners by preventing sudden tax hikes due to rising market values, while allowing reassessment at fair market value after a sale or ownership change. Exceptions permit higher valuation increases for property improvements (up to 40% of current value) or changes in property use or expansion. This policy aims to stabilize homeowners' tax burdens without altering the existing tax system's structure.
SB 229 requires South Dakota school districts to hold a voter election before issuing certain financing tools, including capital outlay certificates, lease-purchase contracts, or installment purchase contracts that would obligate the district for future payments exceeding $50,000 or 1.5% of the district’s taxable property valuation. The bill mandates a public hearing and referral to voters for approval, with the election requiring at least 60% "yes" votes. School boards must schedule these elections on specific dates (March, June, or November) and cover associated costs, unless combined with regular elections. This directly affects school districts managing large-scale facility or equipment financing.
