Government Outreach Update March 4, 2026

You’re invited to the next Capital Area Networking meeting for an important Legislative Session Wrap-Up, offering timely insights while the session is still active. Get a clear update on where key issues stand, what has passed, and what may still change before adjournment. Join us Wednesday, March 11, from 8 AM - 9 AM, at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, 800 W. Dakota Avenue, Pierre. Click here to learn more.

Topic Presentation:

A 45-minute Legislative Session Wrap-Up featuring Nathan Sanderson of the SD Retailers Association and Mary Duvall, covering current developments, pending legislation, and what to watch as the session continues.

We strongly encourage business professionals and the public to attend.


Government Outreach Update:

The end of the 2026 Legislative Session is in sight.

March 12 is the last day of the Main Run of Session. This week, committees are finishing hearings on bills which made it through the first chamber, sorting through special appropriations requests, and putting together the budget proposal.

When legislators return to Pierre next week, they will spend Monday voting on any remaining bills. Tuesday through Thursday are reserved for conference committees, to iron out any differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

Some of the more controversial issues have sorted themselves out this week:

• HB 1209, the bill to require employers to use the E-verify program (in addition to the I-9 form) was amended to apply to only those with more than 50 employees. It also makes allowances for government shutdowns and limits liability for employers who act in good faith. The Senate State Affairs Committee gave the bill a “Do Pass” recommendation and sent it to the Floor.
• SB 135, the “Data Center Bill of Rights” needs House approval before moving to the Governor’s desk. This bill is designed to protect electric customers from rate hikes potentially caused by data centers, and to address concerns about water consumption by a data center.
• HJR 5001, to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot relating to the use of eminent domain, stalled out on the Senate floor, after passing the House on a 62-5 vote. Senators expressed concerns about whether the language of the proposal would inhibit water pipelines and rural electric cooperatives. Another bill clarifying the use of a survey prior to eminent domain did pass both chambers. SB 88 restricts a pre-condemnation survey to a “minimally invasive, superficial inspection.”

One big issue still pending is whether the legislature will enact any significant property tax changes. Of the 60 bills introduced that related to some aspect of property taxes, only a handful remain. With the ability to hoghouse a bill until the last day, it’s possible that the final version of property tax legislation hasn’t been written yet.

For comprehensive legislative information please visit the Legislative Research Council Website at https://sdlegislature.gov

If you would like to contact our area legislators:

Senator Jim Mehlhaff - Jim.Mehlhaff@sdlegislature.gov
Representative Will Mortenson - Will.Mortenson@sdlegislature.gov
Representative Mike Weisgram - Mike.Weisgram@sdlegislature.gov