Rep. Roe Prioritizes Property Tax Relief and Data Center Incentives in Weekly Legislative Update
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - As the 2026 legislative session gains momentum, District 4 Representative Kent Roe (R-Hayti) is focusing his efforts on property tax reform and modernizing South Dakota’s economic incentives for the tech sector. In his weekly update for the week ending January 25, Roe highlighted key committee actions and introduced two bills he is prime-sponsoring this Session.
Property Tax Relief Remains Central Issue. Roe, a member of the House Taxation Committee, reported that property tax relief remains the dominant topic in Pierre.
Early discussions in the Taxation Committee led to the effective shelving of HB 1032, a “banking” bill that would have removed limits on the accumulation of unused index factors for local governments. Roe voted in favor of deferring the bill to the 41st legislative day, signaling his opposition to measures that might increase tax burdens without offsets.
“We need to be careful about giving local governments more room to raise taxes without stronger offsets,” Roe stated in his update.
Roe noted he is closely monitoring upcoming legislation, specifically HB 1036, which seeks to limit annual valuation increases on owner-occupied homes—a measure aimed at homeowners facing sharp spikes in assessed values.
Pushing for Tech Growth with HB 1005. Beyond taxation, Roe is spearheading HB 1005, a bill aimed at attracting high-tech investment to the state. The legislation proposes an exemption from sales and use taxes on equipment, software, and energy used in qualifying data centers.
Roe argues that the 50-year exemption window would place South Dakota on equal footing with over 40 other states competing for major AI and computing facilities.
“This will bring good-paying jobs and economic growth without raising taxes on everyday South Dakotans,” Roe said.
To build support for the measure, Roe met this week with Governor Larry Rhoden, Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen, and key economic development officials. The bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the House State Affairs Committee.
Consumer Protection in Real Estate. Drawing on his professional background as a certified appraiser, Roe is also sponsoring HB 1026. The bill would require licensing for individual property data collectors and registration for companies that employ them.
Scheduled for a hearing in the House Commerce and Energy Committee, the bill aims to increase accountability in property appraisals. “I know firsthand how critical accurate, professional data collection is to fair property appraisals,” Roe noted, emphasizing the bill’s role in consumer protection for borrowers and homeowners.
House Floor Activity and Voting Record On the House floor, Roe voted “Yea” on several passed measures, including HB 1034, which increases fees for mailed decals and plates, and HB 1044, a rural health appropriation. He voted “Nay” on HB 1078 regarding high school graduation coursework rules, which failed initial passage but faces a reconsideration vote this week.
Roe emphasized his commitment to transparency, providing a verified list of his voting record cross-checked with official House Journals.
“I’m here working for you,” Roe concluded, encouraging District 4 residents to continue reaching out with their input as the Session progresses.
The House reconvenes Monday, January 26, at 2:00 p.m.
