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.
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.
HB 1072 allocates $20.6 million in state and federal funds to provide South Dakota state employees with a payment equal to 1.5% of their January 1, 2026 salary. Starting July 1, 2026, each active state employee as of that date will receive this amount monthly in 12 equal installments. The payment applies only to employees still working at the time of each monthly disbursement, meaning no payments are made to those who left state employment before a payment date. The funds must be expended by June 30, 2027, with unused amounts reverting to the state.
SB 195 repeals the scheduled expiration of reduced gross receipts and use tax rates established in 2023. It prevents these tax rate reductions from reverting to prior rates after June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects businesses in South Dakota that pay these specific taxes, ensuring the lower rates remain in effect without requiring new legislation. This is a procedural change to maintain existing tax policy, not a new tax rate adjustment.
HB 1058 requires online betting platforms offering pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog races to obtain a specific license from South Dakota. It clarifies that both in-state operators (with a physical presence) and out-of-state operators must pay a tax of 1.5% on South Dakota contributions, while multi-jurisdictional hubs pay 0.25% (with portions going to racing and breeding funds). The bill specifies that tax revenue will fund the state, a special racing revolving fund, and a South Dakota-bred racing fund. This applies only to online wagering for authorized horse and dog races, updating existing tax and licensing rules.
Senate Bill 97 adjusts property tax revenue limits for South Dakota taxing districts and school districts. For school districts, it changes the annual revenue increase cap from "lesser of 3% or index factor" to a flat 3% over the prior year's revenue, effective 2021. For general taxing districts, it adds a specific 3.5% cap on revenue increases above normal limits for taxes payable in 2027-2031. The bill also clarifies that property improvements to owner-occupied homes increasing value by 40% or less do not count toward the revenue limit. These changes directly affect local governments and school districts managing property tax revenue.
HB 1047 appropriates $8 million total ($3.5 million in federal funds and $4.5 million in other funds) to construct, renovate, and modernize infrastructure at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. The funds cover facilities like heating, plumbing, laboratories, and equipment to support the hatchery’s operations. The bill declares an emergency to expedite the project, allowing immediate use of funds without standard delay procedures. It directs the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to manage the work and outlines payment processes for the project.
HB 1021 authorizes South Dakota's Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to dismantle and demolish specific structures at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, including barns at Livestock Avenue and Market Street and Quonset huts on Lincoln Avenue South. The bill appropriates $337,000 for this work and allows the department to accept additional funding from federal sources or donations. It declares an emergency to expedite the demolition, repair infrastructure, and clear the land, with all funds restricted to these specific projects. The measure directly affects the physical property of the fairgrounds, not broader public policy.
SB 84 increases the income threshold for students to qualify for South Dakota's Partners in Education scholarship program. It raises the initial income requirement from 152% to a higher percentage of the national free/reduced-price lunch income standard (currently 152% for initial eligibility), directly affecting low-income students seeking tuition assistance at participating nonpublic schools. The bill maintains that students who qualify initially remain eligible for three years or until high school graduation without income checks, but must later meet a 250% income threshold to renew. This change expands access to the scholarship program by allowing more households to qualify under the new higher income cap.
SB 24 creates a new solid black or solid white license plate option for South Dakota residents. It allows owners of eligible vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles) with valid licenses to purchase these plates for a $100 annual fee. Of this fee, $25 funds a special revenue account and $75 supports the state highway fund. Personalization is available for an extra $25, and plates can be transferred like existing specialty plates.
