Education

SB 116 appropriates $13.33 million for the design and construction of an indoor athletic facility at Dakota State University's Beacom PREMIER Complex in Madison. It directly affects Dakota State University's athletic programs and campus infrastructure. The bill authorizes the Board of Regents to use the funds for the project, including related services like utilities and landscaping, and allows adjustments for inflation (capped at 125% of the original estimate). It also permits accepting additional funds from federal sources or donations into a dedicated project fund, while declaring an emergency to expedite the funding. The facility will support athletic practice and competition, with no state liability for related expenses.

This bill updates South Dakota's background check requirements for school employees. It requires criminal background investigations for technical college instructors and student teachers during initial hiring, while allowing multi-district employees to use existing checks (within 5 years) if districts share results with written consent. School districts must report terminations due to criminal convictions to the Department of Education within 10 days. The bill exempts event referees from background checks and clarifies that districts may refuse employment for certain serious offenses like sex crimes or violence.

HB 1137 allocates $40 million from state funds for the design and construction of a new athletic facility at the University of South Dakota. The facility will include an indoor track, practice areas, seating for 2,000 spectators, and supporting amenities like locker rooms and training spaces. The bill allows for cost adjustments up to 125% of the original estimate to account for inflation or regulatory changes, and declares an emergency to expedite the project. Unspent funds would revert per state procedures, and the project cannot create state debt or liens. The bill directly affects the University of South Dakota's athletic programs and facilities.

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.

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.