SB 76 transfers unobligated funds from South Dakota's housing infrastructure fund to the revolving economic development fund. It authorizes the Board of Economic Development to provide up to $15 million in 0% interest loans to airports with scheduled air service located in metro areas with 125,000-275,000 residents (or over 275,000) as of the 2024 Census. Loans must be repaid over 20 years with the first payment due one year after funding, and must be fully funded by June 2030. The bill directly affects airports in designated metro areas seeking infrastructure improvements.
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.
SB 240 appropriates $5 million from South Dakota's general fund to create a rural access infrastructure fund, directly affecting all counties by providing funding for infrastructure improvements on township and county secondary roads. Funds are distributed to counties based on their proportion of small structures (like bridges or culverts) on these roads relative to the statewide total, calculated using data reported to the Department of Transportation. The bill requires the Department of Revenue to distribute no more than one-third of the funds annually across fiscal years 2026-2028, with unspent funds reverting by June 2031. It declares an emergency to expedite implementation, focusing solely on the concrete funding mechanism and distribution rules without advocating for outcomes.
SB 130 appropriates $8 million from South Dakota's general fund to the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority. The funds must cover public roadway and infrastructure improvements directly needed due to construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base, including road reconstruction, safety upgrades, and traffic studies. The authority must report annually on how funds were used and cannot spend more than 3% of the appropriation on administrative costs. This bill specifically affects infrastructure supporting Ellsworth Air Force Base operations and surrounding public roads.
HB 1188 clarifies that law enforcement, highway patrols, or authorized personnel must arrange for the removal of disabled vehicles (or spilled cargo) from highways, roadside areas, or public waters if they obstruct traffic or create safety hazards. Vehicle owners are responsible for all removal costs incurred by the state or local agencies. The bill limits liability for officials and removal agencies, stating they cannot be held liable for damages to the vehicle, cargo, or personal property unless there was gross negligence or willful misconduct during removal. This directly affects vehicle owners (who pay costs) and public safety officials (who gain liability protection under defined conditions).
HB 1189 increases the maximum allowable weight per inch of tire width for mobile cranes with booms carried over the vehicle from 600 to 650 pounds on South Dakota highways. This change directly affects mobile crane operators transporting equipment on public roads, allowing slightly heavier loads under specific conditions. The bill amends existing weight regulations (§ 32-22-21) to adjust this limit for cranes meeting the defined criteria (self-propelled carriers with telescoping/lattice booms). It does not alter other weight limits or create new requirements, focusing solely on this technical adjustment for crane mobility.
HB 1227 increases the annual registration fee for owners of electric motor vehicles in South Dakota from $50 to $51 (likely a typo for $50, as "fifty one hundred" is inconsistent with standard fee amounts). The fee applies when renewing vehicle registration and must be paid alongside standard license fees, excluding electric motorcycles covered under separate law. All collected fees are deposited into the state highway fund. The bill specifically defines "electric motor vehicle" as noncommercial, battery-rechargeable vehicles meeting federal safety standards.
This bill adopts specific federal motor carrier regulations from Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for South Dakota operations, with key modifications. It expands the application of federal rules to most intrastate operations (excluding small vehicles under 26,000 lbs not carrying hazardous materials or over 15 passengers), sets a minimum age of 21 for drivers in interstate commerce or handling hazardous materials, and exempts intrastate drivers from federal medical certification requirements unless required by employers. These changes directly affect commercial motor vehicle operators, drivers, and safety enforcement within South Dakota. The bill updates state law to align with federal standards while clarifying exemptions for smaller, non-hazardous intrastate operations.
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.
SB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.
