Education

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1313: require education in prenatal human growth and development.

This bill requires South Dakota public schools to teach prenatal human growth and development in health or science classes using specific materials. It mandates that schools use resources recommended by the state Board of Education, including at least three minutes of high-definition ultrasound videos showing organ development or computer-generated animations of prenatal growth from fertilization to birth. The law prohibits using any materials from entities that perform, promote, or refer to abortion services. This directly affects K-12 public school curricula in South Dakota, altering required health/science content.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill mandates specific curriculum content and materials, prohibiting alternatives, restricting educational curriculum freedom and academic choices in schools.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Education

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1089: modify the distributions of revenues collected from severance taxation on new permits.

HB 1089 modifies how South Dakota distributes severance tax revenue from precious metals mining. It changes the rules for permits issued on or after July 1, 2026: 80% of the tax revenue goes to the state general fund, while 20% is sent to the county where mining occurs. Unlike previous rules, this 20% county share cannot be reduced if a mining company is acquired. The bill also maintains that revenue from mining on state-owned land must go to the common school permanent fund. This directly affects new mining permit holders after 2026 and the counties where they operate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs severance tax revenue to state general fund (80%), counties (20% protected), and common school fund, ensuring specific funding streams for budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates severance tax revenue from state-owned mining land to common school permanent fund, directly funding K-12 education.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 106: modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases dedicated state funding for special education with inflation adjustments, ensuring sustained budget allocation for public education services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases special education funding allocation to $4.5M annually with inflation adjustments, ensuring dedicated resources for extraordinary expenses.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1082: establish parameters for the reimbursement of school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students.

HB 1082 requires South Dakota school districts to provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible students without charging them, as defined by federal programs (National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program) starting January 1, 2026. The bill mandates that the South Dakota Department of Education reimburse school districts for costs incurred on these meals, after subtracting any federal reimbursement received. This directly affects school districts serving students qualifying for federal meal programs and ensures state funding covers the gap between federal support and actual meal costs. The law amends Section 13-35-2 of South Dakota law to clarify these reimbursement parameters.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates state reimbursement for school meal costs, ensuring continued access to free/reduced meals without district financial burden, directly supporting student access and school funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 1130: amend permissible uses of a school district's capital outlay fund.

HB 1130 amends South Dakota school districts' capital outlay fund rules to allow new uses. It specifically permits districts to spend these funds on textbooks (§ 13-16-6(5)(b)), instructional software purchases or renewals (§ 13-16-6(6)), and warranties for capital assets (excluding supplies, § 13-16-6(5)(a)). The bill also clarifies that districts may use up to 15% of transportation contracts or mileage reimbursement costs from this fund. Additionally, it allows transferring up to 45% of annual capital fund revenues to the general fund, while maintaining that small purchases ($1,000 or less) must come from the general fund instead. This directly affects South Dakota public school districts managing their capital budgets.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands permissible uses of capital funds for textbooks and instructional software, directly enhancing educational resource access and program support within existing funding framework.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

died · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1073: provide for the creation of a cardiac emergency plan in every school and to make an appropriation therefor.

HB 1073 requires every public and accredited nonpublic school in South Dakota to create a cardiac emergency response plan. The bill mandates schools to develop these plans with local emergency services, including forming response teams, placing accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and athletic venues, and training staff in CPR and AED use. Schools must conduct annual drills and maintain AEDs, with specific training requirements for coaches, athletic trainers, nurses, and response team members. This law directly affects all South Dakota schools and aims to improve emergency response for heart-related incidents during school activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly mandates an appropriation for school cardiac emergency programs, funding essential safety infrastructure and training per legislative requirement.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates cardiac emergency plans, AEDs, and staff training in schools, enhancing student safety and school infrastructure within education context.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates cardiac emergency plans, AED access, and staff training in schools, directly improving emergency medical response access for students.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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in committee · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 225: apportion interest earnings from the unclaimed property trust fund to school districts.

SB 225 directs that 4% of the interest earnings from South Dakota's unclaimed property trust fund (without touching the principal) be distributed annually to school districts starting in fiscal year 2026. The funds will be apportioned to school districts based on their student enrollment, following the existing method used for other school funding. This adds a new source of revenue for school districts through the trust fund's interest, calculated using the fund's market value as of December 31 each year. The bill modifies existing statutes to implement this distribution, ensuring the funds are added to the general fund before being allocated to schools under current apportionment rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates 4% of unclaimed property trust fund interest earnings to school districts, increasing education funding without new taxes or spending cuts. This advances public service funding through fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdds new school funding via unclaimed property interest earnings, apportioned by enrollment. Directly increases state aid to education per bill's funding mechanism.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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failed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 187: define nonpublic school.

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.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill explicitly prohibits nonpublic schools from receiving state education aid (Chapter 13-13), restricting public funding allocation for private education institutions.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill explicitly restricts nonpublic schools from receiving state education aid (Chapter 13-13), limiting their funding access under education policy, aligning with 'defund' indicator.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Education

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