Roe Proposes Tech-Focused Legislation to Boost South Dakota’s Economy
- Steve Jurrens
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Deuel County, SD - As the 2026 South Dakota legislative session approaches, District 4 Representative Kent Roe is preparing to introduce a pair of bills aimed at modernizing the state’s technological infrastructure and enhancing consumer protections in the real estate sector. The session is scheduled to begin on January 13 with the Governor’s State of the State address at 1:00 PM.
Strategic Tax Incentives for Data Centers
One of the primary focuses for Roe this session is HB 1005, a tax bill designed to align South Dakota with more than 35 other states that currently offer incentives to the data center industry. Following over 300 hours of research and collaboration with stakeholders—ranging from local residents to representatives from major tech firms like Google—Roe believes the measure will position the state as a leader in high-tech growth.
The legislation seeks to attract large-scale infrastructure projects that support critical daily activities, including precision farming, education, and digital finance. With global investments in artificial intelligence and supercomputing projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming years, Roe emphasizes that South Dakota must act now to secure its place in this burgeoning industry.
Which potential benefit of the proposed data center project in Deuel County is most important to you?
Increased funding for local public schools
Creation of high-paying permanent tech jobs
Boost in local property tax revenue without raising rates
Positioning South Dakota as a leader in AI and tech
You can vote for more than one answer.
Enhancing Consumer Trust in Real Estate
In addition to economic development, Roe is championing HB 1026, a consumer protection measure focused on the real estate and banking sectors. The bill establishes state qualifications for “property data collectors,” a relatively new role that is currently unregulated in South Dakota.
While professionals such as realtors, appraisers, and home inspectors must meet strict education and insurance requirements, property data collectors currently lack a public database or state oversight. HB 1026 aims to fill this gap, providing a framework for licensing and accountability to ensure transparency for homeowners and business owners alike.
Prior to Representative Roe's update, were you aware that 'Property Data Collectors'—who evaluate your home for banks—are currently unregulated in South Dakota?
Yes, and I support more oversight.
No, I assumed they were licensed like appraisers.
I wasn't aware, but I'd like to learn more.
I don't think regulation is necessary.
Local Impact: The Applied Digital Project
The legislative push comes as Applied Digital continues to move forward with a proposed data center project in southeastern Deuel County, near Astoria and Toronto. Roe, who has hosted or attended 17 public meetings on the topic since April, notes that the project could significantly transform the local economic landscape.
Key projections for the Deuel County project include:
· Assessed Value: An estimated $400 million increase to the county’s current $1 billion total.
· Tax Revenue: Approximately $5.5 million in annual property taxes, with roughly 58% allocated to public schools.
· Job Creation: The project is expected to generate 1,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions with an average annual salary of $65,000.
· State Revenue: An estimated $10 million in initial annual sales tax from electricity consumption.
Addressing community concerns regarding natural resources, Roe highlighted that the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system, requiring minimal water usage comparable to a single-family household. Furthermore, utility providers have indicated that infrastructure costs will be handled by the “cost causer,” preventing a shift in expenses to existing residential customers.
https://www.kentroeforhouse.com/post/2026-session-bills?brid=YD17P7gEumwszvckbuJUwA (link to Kent Roe’s article)
Please tune in to our live virtual cracker barrel on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 11 am to 12:30 pm to hear from your District 4 and 5 representatives on various topical issues affecting our area and South Dakota!
