Special Report on 2026 Legislative Recap: Senator Glen Vilhauer Discusses Record Bill Counts, Property Tax Relief, and Rural Health Funding
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Following the conclusion of a highly active 38-day session in Pierre, District 5 Senator Glen Vilhauer sat down with Northeast Radio SD to provide a factual breakdown of the key legislation affecting South Dakota residents. According to Vilhauer, the Session saw a record-breaking 600 bills introduced—the highest volume since 1998—with approximately 240 eventually signed into law by the Governor.
Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Vilhauer highlighted the passage of the state budget on the final day of the regular Session. Among the significant infrastructure investments is an $87 million federal allocation to expand broadband internet access in rural areas that currently lack reliable service.
Transformative Rural Health Funding
One of the most substantial financial commitments of the Session was the Rural Health Transformation Program. The state has allocated at least $500 million over the next five years to bolster healthcare services in rural counties. Vilhauer noted that this program applies to every county in the state, with the exceptions of Minnehaha and Pennington.
Targeted Property Tax Relief
Vilhauer addressed the significant focus on property tax relief, noting that more than 20 bills had been introduced on the subject. He specifically identified two bills as the primary drivers for future relief:
· SB 96: Provides counties the authority to levy an additional local-option sales tax of up to 0.5% specifically to fund property tax relief for owner-occupied homes.
· SB 245: Reallocates a 0.3% portion of the state sales tax—originally intended to sunset back into the general fund—into a dedicated fund for property tax relief.
Projections suggest these combined measures could result in a 30% to 40% decrease in owner-occupied property taxes.
Local Impacts and Workforce Development
While many initiatives passed, Vilhauer expressed disappointment regarding a failed funding request for Lake Area Technical College (LATC). A bill seeking $5.2 million to support building trade services at the college failed to gain the necessary votes on the House floor.
Vilhauer also took time to praise the legislative Page and Internship programs, having personally sponsored Whitney Martinson from Watertown as a page during the Session.
A Personal Highlight
Reflecting on the Session, Vilhauer shared a personal milestone: a visit from his wife, Darla, daughter-in-law, Ellie, and his three oldest grandchildren. During their visit, the Lieutenant Governor permitted the grandchildren to join Vilhauer on the Senate floor to pound the gavel for official votes.
