SJR 504 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow South Dakota to authorize mobile and electronic wagering on sporting events. The amendment requires such wagering to be offered only through licensed Deadwood casinos with servers located within Deadwood, and mandates that 90% of tax revenue from these wagers must fund statewide property tax relief or reductions. If approved by voters, this would change the state constitution to permit this new form of betting, which is currently restricted under existing gambling laws. The amendment must be voted on by South Dakota residents at the next general election to take effect.
SB 239 modifies South Dakota's reinvestment payment program for businesses that complete qualifying projects. It requires project owners to submit detailed affidavits within six months of completion, including costs, tax payments, contractor lists, and project details, to qualify for rebates. The bill creates a dedicated fund to reimburse businesses for South Dakota sales, use, and contractors excise taxes paid on approved projects, while exempting gross receipts from these taxes for qualifying projects. It also sets clear deadlines for filings and specifies that costs beyond three years from construction (with possible one-year extension) are ineligible for rebates. This directly affects businesses completing projects under the program who seek tax rebates on eligible construction expenses.
SB 118 creates a "homeowner tax reduction fund" in South Dakota's state treasury. Each year by January 31st, the treasurer must deposit either $100 million or 0.3% of revenues collected from specific property taxes (chapters 10-45, 10-46, 10-46E, 10-58, and § 32-5B-20) into this fund. The Department of Revenue will use these funds to provide property tax rebates for owner-occupied single-family homes, with money in the fund not allowed to transfer to the general fund and requiring annual budgeting through the general appropriation bill. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.
SB 243 imposes a new transaction tax on retail purchases: $1.50 for items $15 or more, and 10% for items under $15. Revenues from this tax fund a "property tax replacement fund" to reduce property tax levies for specific property types. The fund prioritizes eliminating taxes on owner-occupied homes first, then agricultural property, and finally nonagricultural property - reducing each category equally until funds run out. Property owners in South Dakota would see lower tax bills for these categories, while retailers must collect and remit the tax, with penalties for non-payment (misdemeanor for late payment, felony for false returns).
SB 191 removes the ability for local governments (counties or municipalities) to issue grants as part of a tax increment financing district. The bill amends South Dakota law by deleting the provision that allowed "payments and grants" to be included in "project costs" for these districts. This change specifically eliminates the authorization for governing bodies to use district funds for grants, restricting allowable uses to direct project costs like construction, bonds, or professional services. The bill affects how local governments can fund redevelopment projects within designated tax increment districts.
SJR 506 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit South Dakota property taxes to a flat rate based on a property's most recent sale price. For 2028 taxes, the maximum cannot exceed the lower of the 2027 tax amount or the higher of the 2020 tax amount or 1% (for year-round residents) or 2% (for non-residents) of the most recent sale price. For subsequent years, the tax cap resets annually to the higher of the previous year's tax or the applicable percentage of the most recent sale price if ownership changed. This amendment would directly affect all South Dakota property owners, with non-resident owners facing a higher 2% rate versus 1% for residents. If approved by voters, it would replace current property tax calculation methods.
South Dakota's Senate Joint Resolution 503 applies to the U.S. Congress to call a convention of states for proposing constitutional amendments. The resolution specifically requests amendments to impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, further limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for members of Congress and other federal officials. It includes conditions requiring the convention to be limited to these topics only and ensuring Congress performs only a ministerial role in convening it. This procedural resolution does not create new law but initiates a state-level step toward potential constitutional change under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.
SB 144 provides property tax relief to South Dakota seniors meeting specific criteria: individuals aged 65+ who have owned an owner-occupied single-family home for 10+ years, lived in the state for 25+ years, and have no delinquent property taxes. The bill establishes a property tax assessment freeze, locking the taxable value of qualifying homes at either the 2020 value or the value when the homeowner first qualified, preventing increases due to rising market values. Homeowners must apply through county treasurers with required documentation, and the freeze applies annually as long as the homeowner continues to meet eligibility. This directly affects eligible senior homeowners in South Dakota who own and reside in single-family homes meeting the defined residency and ownership requirements.
SB 18 repeals a requirement that banks add back to their South Dakota franchise tax base any bad debt deductions they claimed on federal tax returns but later determined were not actually worthless. This change eliminates the need for banks to adjust their state taxable income for "recovered" bad debts, potentially lowering their tax burden. The bill directly affects banks operating in South Dakota subject to the state's franchise tax on banking activities. It removes specific provisions in the tax code that previously mandated this adjustment for bad debt accounting.
SB 187 defines "nonpublic school" in South Dakota law as an institution operated by individuals or groups (not publicly elected boards) that teaches math and English fundamentals to children of compulsory school age, with English instruction focused on mastery. The bill specifies that such schools may limit enrollment, charge tuition, receive grants or services from school districts, but cannot claim geographic territory for tax revenue or receive state education aid under Chapter 13-13. It also clarifies that nonpublic schools are not required to be accredited or have certified teachers. This definition applies to all nonpublic schools in South Dakota, establishing their legal boundaries for funding and operations.
