𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 – 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 Week Five ended on February 12, marking the midpoint of the legislative session. With the Legislature now in full speed, we saw dozens of bills move through committee and advance to the Senate floor. Crossover Day is just a week away, and all Senate bills must be heard and acted upon prior to Tuesday, February 24. Governor Larry Rhoden signed into law House Bill 1052, transferring the Hydro II facility from the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation. This has been a three-year effort and is a significant success for District 31. I brought Senate Bill 125, establishing the homeowner tax reduction fund, which passed Senate Taxation and the full Senate unanimously. This property tax relief measure now moves to House Taxation and the House floor for consideration and vote.
Property tax bills resulting from the summer study are now appearing in committees and are being fully evaluated as part of the legislative process. We are hopeful to hold the 4.2% sales tax rate in place for another year as we consider the scheduled sunset back to 4.5%. During this time, the 0.3% difference could be directed toward property tax assistance while allowing us to review state revenues to ensure we can continue meeting obligations to state-funded programs and agencies. Fourth-quarter state revenue information came in higher than expected. This opens the possibility of funding increases for education and other programs, or at minimum, keeping pace with inflation and CPI adjustments. Heading into Week Six, we anticipate a very busy schedule. Committees will continue advancing bills to the Senate floor for debate. Senate Bill 102, modifying the distribution of gaming revenues, adjusts the formula for Deadwood Historic Preservation funding so that allocations increase as gaming revenues grow. This is good news for the City of Deadwood and for historic preservation projects outside city limits that are eligible for grants. Please continue to track:
• Senate Bill 97 – Adjusts limits on the percentage increase in revenue payable from property taxes.
• Senate Bill 118 – Deposits certain tax revenues into a homeowner tax reduction fund.
Both measures address local government budgeting authority and property tax relief. It remains a privilege to serve the people of District 31. If you have questions or input on legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me.
![𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 – 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 Week Five ended on February 12, marking the midpoint of the legislative session. With the Legislatur ...]()
