SB 68 appropriates $2,652,561 from the general fund to the state fire suppression special revenue fund to cover costs for suppressing wildfires across South Dakota. The bill authorizes the Department of Public Safety to approve payments for firefighting expenses and declares an emergency to allow immediate spending. Unspent funds must revert to the general fund per state law. This is a one-time funding measure specifically for active wildfire suppression efforts, not prevention or recovery.
HB 1150 provides $8 million in total funding ($4 million from the general fund and $4 million in federal fund expenditure authority) to the South Dakota Department of Social Services. This funding increases payment rates for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in South Dakota, as defined by federal regulations (42 C.F.R. § 405.2401). The bill directly affects FQHCs by raising reimbursement rates for services they provide, improving their funding stability. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and unspent amounts revert per standard state procedures.
HB 1118 appropriates $1,720,000 to fund the design and construction of a new wean-to-finish barn addition at South Dakota State University's swine research facility. The bill directly affects SDSU's agricultural programs and swine research operations by enabling facility upgrades for raising pigs from weaning to market weight. Key provisions include allowing cost adjustments for inflation (up to 125% of the initial amount), accepting external funds (like federal grants or donations), and declaring an emergency to expedite funding. The bill does not alter existing laws but provides specific funding for this infrastructure project.
HB 1147 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for a single grant to a statewide food distribution organization. This organization must distribute food to all counties across South Dakota, with at least $1.5 million of the grant required to purchase food directly from local South Dakota farmers and producers. The bill mandates annual reports detailing grant spending, types/amounts of food purchased, and distribution to food pantries, to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture until the full grant is expended. The funding becomes effective June 30, 2026, and is intended to support food pantries statewide while prioritizing local agricultural purchases.
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 205 revises drone registration fees in South Dakota, charging 1.5% of purchase price for agricultural drones and 2% for all other drones. The collected fees fund a new "drone aviation fund" administered by the Board of Technical Education to support drone training grants at state technical colleges. This bill directly affects drone owners (especially agricultural users) by changing their registration tax rates and creating a dedicated funding source for drone industry workforce development. The fund will receive all drone registration fees and interest, with expenditures requiring annual budget approval. The bill does not apply to small unmanned aircraft systems covered under federal regulations.
SB 229 requires South Dakota school districts to hold a voter election before issuing certain financing tools, including capital outlay certificates, lease-purchase contracts, or installment purchase contracts that would obligate the district for future payments exceeding $50,000 or 1.5% of the district’s taxable property valuation. The bill mandates a public hearing and referral to voters for approval, with the election requiring at least 60% "yes" votes. School boards must schedule these elections on specific dates (March, June, or November) and cover associated costs, unless combined with regular elections. This directly affects school districts managing large-scale facility or equipment financing.
SB 199 creates a Property Tax Relief Fund in the state treasury to help reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses. The fund is funded by transferring 25% of the annual increase in the state's general fund revenue each August into the account, starting in 2026. Local governments (political subdivisions) can use these funds to lower property tax levies on real property within their jurisdictions. The Department of Revenue administers the fund, and deposits automatically adjust based on state revenue changes each year. This provides a structured, ongoing mechanism for property tax relief tied to state budget growth.
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 195 repeals the scheduled expiration of reduced gross receipts and use tax rates established in 2023. It prevents these tax rate reductions from reverting to prior rates after June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects businesses in South Dakota that pay these specific taxes, ensuring the lower rates remain in effect without requiring new legislation. This is a procedural change to maintain existing tax policy, not a new tax rate adjustment.
