Legislative Session 2022

As tax increment finance, or TIF, districts continue to be debated, they were an item of focus at the most recent meeting of the state comprehensive property tax task force. Some lawmakers still aren’t convinced of their effectiveness.

Following South Dakota’s passage of a bill banning eminent domain use for carbon pipelines, many considered Summit Carbon Solution’s pipeline impossible in the state.As the project’s outlook continues to be unclear, North Dakota’s Attorney General said he’s looking at many options, including suing South Dakota.

Incumbent South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson is facing a challenge from within her own party in the next election.

Each day, SDPB brings you statewide news coverage. We then compile those stories into a daily podcast.

One bill prevents transgender girls from participating in girls sports. It passed 50-17.That’s Governor Kristi Noem’s bill. The Republican governor says she will sign the legislation.

The House Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several bills regulating establishments licensed to sell medical cannabis. Here is a summary of arguments during the debate on House Bill 1095: "An act to allow a local government to prevent a medical cannabis establishment from operating in its jurisdiction."

The majority Republican panel voted 9-3 against the proposal, even after Game, Fish and Parks officials scaled back and relocated the project.

SDPB reporters bring the latest updates on a variety of bills pending in Pierre. Today we talk Custer State Park campground expansion, a Democratic hopeful for governor, and efforts to increase money flowing to low-income students to attend private schools. Lee Strubinger, Arielle Zionts, and Jackelyn Severin join us.

Rep. Jamie Smith is the House minority leader. He says the state has not had good government in the last four years.

A federal judge granted a temporary pause on the Noem administration's rules on medication abortions based on arguments that they likely impose an undue burden on a person's right to an abortion.

After three weeks, the legislative process is hitting its stride in Pierre. However, some of Gov. Kristi Noem’s legislative pushes are hitting roadblocks at the capitol.The Republican-controlled legislature has rejected several of the governor’s proposals and is looking to amend others.

In 2016 state lawmakers approved a scholarship program that gives money to low-income students who want to attend a private k-12 school in the state. The scholarships are funded through tax credits given to insurance companies. Currently, the tax credit is capped at $2 million. Senate Bill 71 would raise that cap to $3.5 million.

At the request of the Chief Justice, the House Judiciary Committee has voted to amend an unenforceable law. Children removed from their homes because of alleged abuse or neglect are entitled to a special advocate in addition to their court-appointed attorney. However, a court spokesman says those advocacy services are not available in all areas of the state, and not every abuse and neglect case requires them.