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provide an excess levy for the capital outlay fund.

HB1198 removes the $3-per-$1,000 valuation cap on property taxes that school districts can levy for capital outlay funds (money used for buildings, equipment, and similar assets). This allows school boards to levy as much as needed for capital projects instead of being limited to that maximum amount, though they can still only pledge tax revenue to pay for specific bonds or equipment purchase agreements.

exclude certain wind energy tax revenue from the state aid to education formula.

SB 111 excludes certain wind energy tax revenue from the calculation used to distribute state aid to schools, meaning schools in wind energy-producing areas will receive less state funding based on that revenue source. This change amends how the state determines each school district's share of education funding under South Dakota law.

make an appropriation for the Literacy Intervention Program and to declare an emergency.

South Dakota allocates $750,000 from the state's general fund to the Department of Education to support the Literacy Intervention Program. Any money not spent or committed by June 30, 2021, will be returned to the general fund according to standard state procedures.

make an appropriation for rapid enrollment increases.

This bill appropriates $1 from South Dakota's general fund to help school districts manage rapid enrollment increases, with any unused funds reverting back to the state by June 30, 2021. The Department of Education secretary and state auditor are authorized to approve and pay expenses related to this enrollment growth assistance.

limit the amount of other revenue that is counted as local effort in the state aid to education formula.

SB 168 caps how much "other revenue" school districts can count toward their local funding requirement in the state education aid formula. This change reduces the amount of non-property-tax income (such as fees or grants) that districts can use to demonstrate local financial effort, which may lower their eligibility for state aid.

revise the property tax levies for the general fund of school districts and to revise the state aid to education formula.

This bill reduces the property tax levies that school districts can charge for their general operating funds, effective for taxes payable in 2021 and beyond. The maximum levy on all property drops from $6.82 to $5.56 per $1,000 of value, the levy on agricultural land falls from $1.47 to $0.41 per $1,000 of value, and the levy on owner-occupied homes decreases from $3.29 to $1.68 per $1,000 of value.

revise provisions regarding the referral of opt outs made by school districts.

This bill establishes a process for voters to challenge a school district's decision to "opt out" of a state education funding requirement through a referendum election. Voters representing at least five percent of registered voters in the district can petition the school board by July 15th to force a vote, which must be held by October 1st of the year before the taxes would be collected. The bill applies only to tax levies that were approved before July 1, 2002.

provide for an increased distribution from the education enhancement trust fund in fiscal year 2021.

HB 1230 increases how much money South Dakota distributes from the Education Enhancement Trust Fund in fiscal year 2021 to support schools. The bill modifies the rules for how distributions are calculated and removes certain restrictions on fund spending that were previously in place. This provides additional education funding for that fiscal year compared to the standard distribution amount.

revise the purposes for which a school district's capital outlay fund may be used.

SB 174 expands what school districts can use their capital outlay funds for by revising the purposes allowed under state law. The bill broadens the types of projects and expenses that districts can pay for with these funds, which are typically reserved for major building and infrastructure improvements.

revise the special education property tax levy for school districts and to revise the state aid to special education formula.

School districts can now levy up to $1.68 per thousand dollars of taxable property value for special education (increased from $1.61), giving them more local funding to cover special education services and assistive technology for students with disabilities. The bill also updates the state aid formula for special education to account for this higher local contribution, changing how state funds are calculated to supplement district spending on special education programs.

provide a transfer of funds for critical teaching needs scholarships and to declare an emergency.

This bill prevents high school athletic associations from selling exclusive broadcast rights for certain interscholastic activities, ensuring that games and events remain accessible to multiple broadcasters rather than being restricted to one media outlet. The change applies to athletic associations that schools delegate authority to for managing high school sports, and requires these associations to follow existing transparency and open records laws like any other public body. This protects students, families, and communities from losing access to athletic events due to exclusive broadcasting agreements.

remove the requirement for a mandatory appraisal in exchanges of land between school districts.

HB 1255 removes the requirement that school districts must obtain an appraisal whenever they exchange land with each other. This change simplifies the process for school districts to swap property without the added cost and time of getting a mandatory appraisal.

fund shooting sports programs in public schools and to enhance outdoor recreational activities in the state.

HB1256 creates a new "rod and gun fund" to support shooting sports programs in public schools by directing half of the occupancy tax revenue from lodging and campgrounds to this fund. The bill modifies the existing visitor tax structure to split occupancy tax proceeds between the current tourism promotion fund and the new rod and gun fund for outdoor recreational activities.

require the Department of Education to establish certain programs for children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

# SB 117 Summary The Department of Education must establish educational programs specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in South Dakota schools. This requirement modifies existing education law to ensure these students have access to specialized instruction and support services tailored to their needs.

revise certain educational programs and promote efficiency in state government and to make an appropriation therefor.

This bill appropriates $1 to enhance educational programs and promote efficiency in South Dakota state government, with any unspent funds reverting back by June 30, 2021. The bill also amends existing education law (§22-21-4) though the specific changes to that statute are not detailed in this excerpt.

establish the Jobs for South Dakota's Graduates program and the special donation fund.

This bill creates a new Jobs for South Dakota's Graduates program within the Department of Education designed to help high school students with significant barriers to graduation stay in school through a public-private partnership. The bill also establishes a special donation fund to accept grants and contributions that support the program's launch and ongoing operations. No existing law is changed; this bill simply creates this new program and funding mechanism from scratch.

provide for the creation and funding of Oceti Sakowin community-based schools.

South Dakota creates a new type of charter school called "Oceti Sakowin charter schools" that teach Native American history and culture using the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards. These schools can be approved by either the state Department of Education or a local school district, and applicants must submit detailed plans covering the school's mission, structure, finances, and how they'll measure success. This establishes the legal framework for establishing and funding these community-based schools focused on Native American education.

revise provisions for taxes levied by the board of a school district for the capital outlay fund.

School districts can now levy up to $3 per $1,000 of property value annually for capital outlay (building and equipment purchases), and they can pledge these tax revenues to pay back loans and lease agreements used to finance school facilities. The bill clarifies that districts can be legally forced to collect these taxes each year to cover outstanding debt payments, as long as the total doesn't exceed the $3 per $1,000 limit.

provide financial assistance for school sentinel training.

South Dakota will now reimburse school districts $1,500 for each employee who completes school sentinel training, with the reimbursement money available to help cover training and equipment costs. The bill caps the state's total spending on this reimbursement program at $45,000 per year and requires proportional reductions if more than 30 employees complete the training annually. The bill also removes the requirement that sentinels obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

provide for child safety accounts for students subject to certain safety incidents.

This bill creates "child safety accounts" that allow parents to request funding from their school district if a safety incident at school cannot be resolved to their satisfaction. When a parent requests an account, the school board must deposit an amount equal to the average yearly per-pupil cost of South Dakota schools (prorated if the incident occurs mid-year), plus additional funding if the student has an IEP or 504 plan. The school district must then notify the state Department of Education about any accounts created.

revise the conditions for dual credit and to provide an appropriation.

This bill directs the South Dakota Legislature to examine dual credit courses (classes that allow high school students to earn college credit). The bill appropriates $1 to the Department of Education to support dual credit programs, with the secretary of education authorized to approve related expenses.

revise certain state post-secondary requirements for dual credit and to make an appropriation therefor.

This bill appropriates $1 to the state's dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school. The bill modifies state requirements for how the dual credit program operates, though the specific regulatory changes are referenced but not detailed in this excerpt. Any unused funds must be returned to the state by June 30, 2021.

appropriate money for the ordinary expenses of the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of the state, the expenses of state institutions, interest on the public debt, and for common schools.

HB1291 is the state's general appropriations bill that provides funding for the day-to-day operations of South Dakota's legislative, judicial, and executive branches, as well as state institutions, schools, and debt payments. The bill allocates taxpayer money across these government departments and programs for the fiscal year. This is a routine annual spending measure required to keep state government functioning.

appropriate money for the ordinary expenses of the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of the state, the expenses of state institutions, interest on the public debt, and for common schools.

HB1294 is South Dakota's main budget bill that appropriates state money for running the legislature, courts, executive branch agencies, state institutions, and public schools for the fiscal year. The bill sets aside funding to pay interest on the state's debt and ensures common schools receive their allocated resources. This is the comprehensive spending bill that determines how much money each major part of state government receives annually.

revise certain provisions regarding school district capital outlay funds.

SB 170 revises how school districts can use their capital outlay funds by modifying the rules in state law that govern these accounts. The specific changes to §10-56-22 adjust the conditions or restrictions around how school districts save and spend money designated for building projects and facility improvements. Without access to the complete bill text, the exact nature of these modifications cannot be fully detailed, but the bill makes the capital outlay fund rules more flexible or clear for school district administrators.

provide an option to sparse school districts regarding the amount of taxes collected in the capital outlay fund.

This bill gives sparse school districts (those with very low enrollment) the flexibility to choose how much they collect in property taxes for capital projects—either the maximum amount allowed under existing law or a per-student amount of $2,800 (adjusted annually). Regular school districts remain capped at whichever is lower between the existing maximum or the $2,800-per-student limit. The change allows sparse districts more control over their building and equipment funding while other districts face the stricter limit.

establish certain restrictions regarding the state subsidized dual credit program.

South Dakota's state-subsidized dual credit program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses, will now be limited to classes that count toward general education requirements rather than allowing any college course. The bill also sets the state's share of tuition costs at two-thirds of a reduced tuition rate (set at 43% of regular undergraduate tuition), with students paying one-third and their school district able to cover the student's portion if it chooses.

create the road improvement priority fund, provide for the distribution of the fund, make an appropriation, and to declare an emergency.

Students who fail a course or withdraw after the deadline in South Dakota's subsidized dual credit program will no longer be allowed to continue participating in the program. The bill also clarifies the tuition-sharing arrangement, where students pay about one-third of the reduced tuition rate, school districts can cover some student costs, and the state covers the remaining two-thirds.

provide for kindergarten enrollment options.

This bill changes kindergarten enrollment rules by allowing children who turn five between September and December 31st to enroll if they pass approved developmental and readiness screening tests showing they have superior academic abilities and are socially and emotionally ready. It also allows children who move to South Dakota from out of state or to a different district within the state to continue their kindergarten enrollment without interruption. Previously, the law only allowed children who turned five by September 1st to enroll in kindergarten.

establish the date of kindergarten enrollment eligibility.

This bill changes the kindergarten enrollment eligibility cutoff date from September 1st to August 1st, meaning children must turn five by August 1st instead of September 1st to enroll in kindergarten that school year. The change makes South Dakota's kindergarten eligibility requirement earlier in the year, which could delay enrollment for some children who turn five between August 1st and September 1st.

define dyslexia for the purposes of special education and related services.

This bill adds a legal definition of dyslexia to South Dakota's special education laws, describing it as a neurological learning disability that affects word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. The definition clarifies that dyslexia stems from language processing difficulties and is not simply a result of poor instruction, which helps schools identify and serve students with this condition.

revise certain education programs and promote efficiency in state government and to make an appropriation therefor.

HB1186 appropriates $1 to the state for the purpose of revising certain education programs and promoting government efficiency, though the bill text does not specify what changes to education programs or operations will actually be made. The bill authorizes the state auditor to process payments for these purposes, with any unspent money reverting back by June 30, 2021.

provide for the distribution of a list of possible reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.

South Dakota schools must now provide students with disabilities and their parents with a list of possible classroom accommodations before meetings to develop or review their education plans. The Department of Education will create this list and distribute it to all schools so they can give it to eligible students regardless of whether they receive special education services or have a 504 plan.

account for educational opportunities provided to students during a state of emergency and to declare an emergency.

This bill allows schools to count educational opportunities provided during a declared state of emergency—such as remote learning—toward their minimum required instructional hours, even if those hours don't meet the normal in-person standards. The change lets the Secretary of Education waive the standard hour requirements for schools in areas affected by an emergency declared by the Governor or President, as long as the Department of Education monitors the closures.

Honoring Mr. E.O. Lawrence for his achievements and accomplishments throughout his life and career, and encouraging our schools to recognize his achievements, and encouraging other recognitions of his life and achievements as deemed appropriate by the state of South Dakota.

This resolution honors physicist E.O. Lawrence for his scientific achievements and encourages South Dakota schools to recognize his accomplishments in their curricula and educational programs. The bill amends state law to formally acknowledge Lawrence's contributions and directs the state to consider additional appropriate recognitions of his life and work.