South Dakotans who want to force a public vote on decisions made by their city, county, or school board would have more than twice as long to gather petition signatures under a bill that cleared a House committee Wednesday (Feb. 18, 2026).
House Bill 1323 would extend the referendum petition window from 20 days to 45 days, applying to multiple types of local government actions. Supporters say the change is necessary for meaningful public participation. Opponents say it would create uncertainty and delay for local governments trying to implement decisions.
Supporters pointed to a recent petition drive in Sioux Falls challenging a rezoning decision tied to a proposed hyperscale data center. Jordan Deffenbaugh, a Sioux Falls resident who worked on that effort, told lawmakers volunteers collected more than 5,000 signatures in frigid temperatures.
Local government groups, including the South Dakota Municipal League, the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, and the Associated School Boards of South Dakota, opposed the bill. They argued that extending the petition window could delay projects, complicate planning, and prolong uncertainty after local votes.
Committee members suggested the 45-day timeline could be adjusted as the bill moves forward. The House State Affairs Committee voted 10 to 2 to advance HB 1323 to the full House.
By Todd Epp | South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
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