Mid-Session Momentum: District 4 and 5 Legislators Navigate Tax Policy, Public Safety, and Economic Growth
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 15
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session moves past its midpoint, area representatives from Districts 4 and 5 are navigating a heavy workload of over 640 introduced bills. With “Crossover Day” approaching—the deadline for bills to move from their chamber of origin—lawmakers are reporting a mix of legislative victories and committee-room frustrations.
Economic Development and Tax Policy
A primary point of contention this week centered on HB 1005, a bill proposing sales and use tax exemptions for data center construction. Despite arguments that the measure would foster rural growth and innovation, the House State Affairs Committee deferred the bill to the 41st legislative day, effectively killing it for the Session.
Representative Kent Roe (D4) expressed disappointment over the committee assignment, noting that as a tax measure, it should have been heard by the House Taxation Committee. “Bills like this one represent opportunities to foster growth... in rural areas like ours where data centers could bring jobs and infrastructure,” Roe stated. Senator Vilhauer (D4) echoed this sentiment, suggesting the state may not see an opportunity of this scale again in the near future.
In other tax and fiscal news:
· Property Tax Relief: Lawmakers are currently vetting approximately 30 different proposals aimed at providing property tax relief.
· Tax Refunds: SB 21, which modifies property and sales tax refunds for elderly and low-income individuals, passed the Senate after an initial defeat and now moves to the House.
· License Fees: HB 1034 passed with support from Senator Vilhauer to increase mailing fees for license plates to cover rising service costs.
Public Safety and Education
Education-related mandates saw significant floor activity this week. HB 1313, which requires a three-minute video on prenatal human growth and development during health or science classes, passed the House.
Representative Dylan Jordan (D4) noted the bill aims to replace “textbook work” with a more “powerful” visual medium.
Regarding public safety and campus life:
· Campus Housing: HB 1325, which sought to remove on-campus housing and meal plan requirements for college sophomores, failed in committee. Rep. Jordan criticized the “forced debt” placed on adult students to pay off university building bonds.
· Campus Firearms: HB 1133, a bill to further expand the ability to carry guns on college and technical school campuses, was defeated in committee.
· E-Verify: HB 1209, requiring employment verification through the E-Verify program, passed the House. Representative Josephine Garcia (D5), who sponsored the bill at a constituent’s request, celebrated the progress as a win for “the people.”
Agriculture and Conservation
Legislators also addressed several niche agricultural and wildlife issues:
· Avian Permits: HB 1265 passed the House floor, establishing a special-purpose salvage permit. Inspired by the conservation work of Madison Grimm, the bill would allow for the recovery and release of ducklings and pheasant eggs from destroyed nests.
· “Fake Meat” Labeling: HB 1077, which requires cultivated-protein food to be labeled as “adulterated,” passed the Senate 18-16. Senator Vilhauer voted against it, citing concerns over “food policing” and potential legal exposure for the state.
· Direct Meat Sales: HB 1064 passed, expanding the ability for producers to sell smaller packages of meat directly to consumers, contingent upon future federal legalization.
Looking Ahead
As the Session intensifies, representatives continue to monitor high-priority items, including highway safety bills (HB 1188 and HB 1189) and various “pro-life” measures. Rep. Jordan noted a “step too far” in HB 1116, a bill prohibiting certain advertising during children’s programming, which he voted against due to vague enforcement and overly broad definitions that could have impacted sports broadcasts.
Lawmakers are encouraging constituents to track the progress of remaining bills through the Legislative Research Council (LRC) website as the Session enters its final weeks.
Click the following link to watch the live-streamed Legislative Cracker Barrel at the 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show, organized by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee.
