South Dakota lawmakers return to the Capitol Monday (March 9, 2026) for the 34th of 38 legislative days. Any bill that fails to clear both the House and Senate by the end of the day is dead for the session.
This is the last full week of the session. It ends Thursday with Veto Day scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026.
The Joint Committee on Appropriations meets to set budget figures for 15 state agencies. The committee also takes up Senate Bill 78, which revises the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.
The Senate Taxation Committee holds an open discussion on potential topics for legislative summer studies. The committee hears no bills.
The House takes up Senate Bill 245, which creates a homeowner property tax reduction fund. The bill would seed the fund with one-time state money and, starting in 2027, direct revenue from the scheduled return of the state sales tax rate from 4.2 percent to 4.5 percent into the fund. Governor Larry Rhoden backs the measure.
Senate Bill 221, which regulates the retail sale of nicotine products and sets penalties, comes before the full House. Senate Bill 106 modifies the amount school districts must reserve for extraordinary special education expenses. Senate Bill 102 modifies the distribution of gaming revenues.
The Senate considers House Bill 1253, which adjusts the property assessment methodology for owner-occupied single-family homes and nonagricultural property.
House Bill 1274 prohibits the dispensing, distribution, sale, or advertisement of items used for an unlawful abortion. It sets criminal and civil penalties. House Bill 1184 defines man and woman in state law using biological sex. It bars state funding for programs that use different definitions.
House Bill 1038, which allows the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers, reaches the Senate floor as an amended bill. HB 1082, concerning student meal reimbursement, goes to the Senate floor.
House Bill 1241 changes the public notice requirements before a school district votes to impose an excess tax levy.
By Todd Epp | South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
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