Makenzie Huber

Six South Dakota lawmakers — three Democrats and three Republicans — celebrated bipartisan accomplishments at an annual democracy conference, including their efforts to stop what one legislator called an influx of “bad bills” from reaching the governor’s desk.

South Dakota offers a property tax relief program to elderly and disabled residents. Older adults hope an expansion will make it easier to qualify.

Gov. Larry Rhoden issued his second veto this legislative session, rejecting a bill that would place restrictions on citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. 

Attempts to remove technology from SD elections lose in court after losing at the polls

Instead of regulating the election process, lawmakers this session favored tighter controls on who can participate in South Dakota elections.

As South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed his property tax relief bill into law Thursday, he was already planning another proposal to ease the burden across the state.

After a tumultuous year of government corruption scandals, legislation expanding the authority of the South Dakota Legislature’s investigative oversight committee is headed to the governor’s desk.

South Dakota lawmakers nearly came up empty-handed on their property tax relief campaign pledges, until they rescued one of several remaining bills from defeat.

Legislators – many who campaigned on the issue – must determine which property tax bill or bills will make it to the governor’s desk.

Legislation that would have required protective firefighting equipment purchased by fire departments in South Dakota to be labeled with its “forever chemical” status failed in the House of Representatives.