District 4 Dylan Jordan Update: Property Tax Relief and Foreign Funding Transparency Move Forward in Pierre

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As the 2026 Legislative Session approaches the critical “crossover” deadline, State Representative Dylan C. Jordan (R-District 4) reports a week of high-stakes voting marked by a major push for property tax reform and new oversight for higher education funding.

In a legislative update to constituents, Jordan highlighted the passage of House Bill 1253, a measure aimed at stabilizing the rapidly climbing property tax assessments that have burdened South Dakota homeowners.

Addressing “Doubled and Tripled” Property Taxes

Property tax relief remains a top priority for District 4. Jordan noted that many residents have seen their tax bills double or even triple over the last decade.

To combat this, the House passed HB 1253, which seeks to overhaul how owner-occupied single-family dwellings and non-agricultural properties are valued. The bill introduces an assessment methodology that averages out values over an eight-year period.

“The simple version of what this bill does is it averages out assessments over eight years to get a handle on assessments,” Jordan stated, affirming his commitment to any legislation that saves taxpayers money.

Curbing Foreign Influence in Education

Accountability was also at the forefront of committee work this week with the advancement of House Bill 1311. If signed into law, the bill would require the Board of Regents and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education to disclose all funding received from 20 specific foreign sources, including China, Cuba, and Iran.

The information would be compiled into an annual report for public and legislative review. Jordan expressed surprise that such transparency was not already a legal requirement and signaled strong support for the bill when it reaches the House floor.

Ethics and “Government Overreach”

The week was not without its setbacks and debates over the role of government. Jordan expressed disappointment over the defeat of House Bill 1222, an ethics-focused bill that would have prohibited members of the Board of Economic Development (GOED) from having financial interests in projects approved by that same board.

“If you are going to ask GOED for money, you can’t serve on GOED,” Jordan argued. Despite the push for stricter conflict-of-interest rules, the bill “died” on the floor with a 29-36 vote.

Conversely, Jordan joined a majority of colleagues in killing House Bill 1010, which would have mandated the use of Bluetooth devices for phone calls while driving. Labeling the bill “simple government overreach,” Jordan noted that South Dakota already has a ban on texting while driving and argued that further restrictions were unnecessary.

District Pride

Amid the long hours in Pierre, Jordan took a moment to praise the youth of District 4, specifically noting a recent visit from students at Deubrook High School.

“I was overly impressed by how they dressed up,” Jordan said, noting the professionalism of the young adults representing the district at the Capitol.

As the Session continued, Jordan asked for continued support and prayers from his constituents, promising to continue representing the district to the best of his ability.