Appropriations

HB 1200 appropriates $8 million from South Dakota's general fund to the Department of Public Safety for grants to nonprofit organizations providing specific victim services. It directly supports nonprofits focused on helping children abused or neglected, domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims, or victims of commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking. The bill allows grant funds to cover 24/7 emergency services, counseling, crisis lines, case management, sexual assault nurse examiner training, and child advocacy center services - excluding new programs or legal aid. Nonprofits must apply annually between July 1 and August 31, report on services delivered, and prioritize organizations seeking additional funding. The appropriation becomes effective June 30, 2026.

SB 121 appropriates $101 from South Dakota's general fund to support economic development efforts. The bill authorizes state payments through vouchers and warrants, with unspent funds reverting per standard procedures. It does not specify particular projects, programs, or entities that would receive the funds. The bill is procedural in nature, with no substantive policy changes beyond the minimal appropriation. The $101 amount appears to be an error, as it is insufficient for meaningful economic development initiatives.

This South Dakota bill (SB 74) transfers $56,153,769 from the budget reserve fund and $41,874,757 from the general revenue replacement fund directly into the state's general fund. These transfers are intended to support state government operations and public institutions. The bill declares an emergency to allow these fund movements to take effect immediately upon approval, bypassing standard budget procedures. The action affects the state's budget structure by reallocating existing reserves without creating new taxes or spending programs.

HB 1051 revises South Dakota school districts' property tax limits and updates state funding formulas. It sets new maximum tax rates: $4.22 per $1,000 of property value for general funds, $1.13 for agricultural land, and $2.51 for owner-occupied homes, all based on valuations at 85% of market value. The bill also changes how school enrollment is calculated for state aid, clarifying that students in state custody (e.g., foster care) count toward enrollment and adding rules for tuition payments. These changes directly affect all South Dakota public school districts by altering their tax capacity and state funding calculations.

SB 106 modifies South Dakota's funding for special education by increasing the state's annual allocation for unforeseen costs. Starting July 1, 2026, $4.5 million must be set aside for extraordinary expenses in special education programs, rising annually by an inflation index starting July 1, 2027, with a maximum cap of $5.5 million per year. Unspent funds will not revert to the general state budget, ensuring they remain available for future special education needs. The bill directly affects school districts providing special education services to children with disabilities across South Dakota.