SB 178 would lower the maximum percentage of a political subdivision's total assessed property value that can be allocated to tax increment financing (TIF) districts. Currently, South Dakota law limits this to 12.5%, but the bill would reduce that cap to a lower percentage. This change directly affects cities, towns, and counties that create TIF districts to fund economic development projects. The bill does not specify the new percentage but would restrict how much property value can be used for TIF initiatives within any given area.
SB 203 requires local governments (cities or counties) to obtain an independent third-party review before establishing a tax increment financing district. This review must analyze the project's cost-benefit, projected changes in property tax distribution over time, and expected impacts on jobs, housing, and economic activity. The bill applies to any area where property taxes would be used to fund development projects within a defined district. It adds this review step to existing requirements for creating such districts but does not change who can establish them.
HB 1142 requires parties or their lawyers in civil lawsuits to disclose in writing to the court and other parties any third party (including organizations or individuals) who could receive payment based on the case's outcome, along with any related agreements. This disclosure must happen within 10 days of signing such an agreement or at the time of filing the lawsuit, whichever comes later. The bill excludes standard loan repayments (with interest limits) and routine attorney fee agreements from this requirement. It aims to increase transparency in civil cases involving contingent payment arrangements.
HB 1304 (South Dakota House Bill 1304) allows cities, counties, and other local subdivisions to create reasonable rules restricting drone flights at specific large outdoor events. It directly affects event organizers and attendees at parades, festivals, state/county fairs, air shows, sporting events, and similar gatherings drawing crowds. The bill authorizes local governments to implement these restrictions to protect privacy and prevent trespass, as outlined in the new provisions added to South Dakota law. The key mechanism is granting subdivisions authority to enact such rules through ordinances or resolutions, without requiring state-level approval.
HB 1310 appropriates $10 million from South Dakota's economic development fund to provide loans for startup or expansion of custom exempt plants and slaughtering establishments (defined under §39-5-6). The loans, capped at $1 million per establishment and secondary to other financing for the same purpose, are administered by the Governor's Office of Economic Development. Funds must be used for eligible projects within the state, with unspent amounts reverting per standard procedures. The program becomes effective June 30, 2026.
This bill requires South Dakota law enforcement officers to check if a military protective order (from the FBI's database) exists when arresting military members or associates. If officers believe the person violated such an order, they must notify the issuing authority. The bill also allows military protective orders to be used as evidence in court cases for protection orders to demonstrate a pattern of behavior. It directly affects military personnel, law enforcement, and individuals involved in protection order proceedings in South Dakota.
HB 1195 provides free admission to South Dakota state parks and recreation areas for residents enrolled as members of Indian tribes. It also grants a 50% discount on camping fees and associated electrical service fees at these locations. Qualified individuals will receive a lifetime park entrance license issued by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, with specific application criteria and procedures to be established by the agency. This policy directly affects enrolled tribal members seeking access to state park facilities.
SB 140 requires South Dakota correctional facilities to deposit 25% of inmate earnings from prison work into a personal savings account. This savings account cannot be used to pay court fines, fees, or other debts owed by the inmate. Upon release (via parole, suspended sentence, or discharge), the inmate receives the full balance of this savings account. Additionally, any interest earned on these savings must be deposited into the state's crime victims' compensation fund. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals working in state prisons and modifies how their earnings are handled.
HB 1156 extends each waterfowl hunting season in South Dakota by two days specifically for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The bill requires the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to create rules allowing these individuals - defined as active duty members under §58-33-117 or veterans with non-dishonorable discharge - to hunt during this extended period. This change applies only to the season length; it does not alter existing license requirements, daily bag limits, or other hunting regulations. The bill directly affects eligible veterans and active-duty service members who participate in waterfowl hunting.
HB 1296 requires courts to mandate GPS monitoring for defendants charged with domestic abuse offenses (as defined under South Dakota law) as a condition of release. The bill specifies that defendants must wear a 24/7 GPS device that tracks location in real-time and alerts law enforcement if they enter restricted zones, with defendants covering all device costs. Victims of domestic abuse can choose to receive free notification tools (via app or device) that alert them if the defendant approaches restricted areas or their location, but only after consenting and receiving clear information about the system. The law also mandates courts to consult victims about restricted zones and provide detailed explanations of the monitoring process, including risks, victim support services, and emergency contacts.
HB 1208 updates South Dakota's electrician licensure rules by requiring the State Electrical Commission to issue licenses both as physical cards and electronic equivalents. It sets specific fee limits: $150 maximum for exams, $100 for applications, and $35 for replacing lost licenses. The bill directly affects electricians, contractors, and businesses needing to hire licensed electrical workers by clarifying license formats and standardizing associated costs. These changes streamline licensing processes while ensuring fee transparency for applicants. The bill does not alter who must be licensed or the examination requirements.
SB 185 amends South Dakota's "employer's investment in South Dakota's future fund" to improve transparency and accountability in distributing funds for economic development. The bill requires business applicants to submit detailed business plans - including job descriptions, compensation, and other funding sources - before receiving grants. It limits funding to actual project costs, mandates matching commitments from applicants, and requires the Governor's Office of Economic Development to publicly report biannually on each grant (including recipient details, project purpose, and jobs created). These changes apply directly to businesses, educational institutions, and workforce programs seeking fund support for research, infrastructure, or economic development projects within the state.
