Legislators discuss session battles

This year marked South Dakota’s 100th Legislative Session, and it was complete with both victories and battles, according to District 30 Sen. Amber Hulse and Rep. Tim Goodwin. Rep. Trish Ladner was contacted as well but was unavailable for comment.
“This session was a tremendous success for our values, our communities and the future of South Dakota,” Hulse said.
Both Hulse and Goodwin said they got some meaningful legislation through this session.
For Goodwin, this included House Bill (HB) 1238, “An act to establish protections for a veteran seeking assistance in a veteran’s benefit matter,” HB 1160, “An act to waive the driver license renewal period for members of the military and their families and employees of the state department,” HB 1161, “An act to allow additional forms to verify military service for a veteran designation on a commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit” and HB 1164, “An act to revise the process for nominating candidates for lieutenant governor.”
Meanwhile, Hulse carried over 10 pieces of legislation, several of which have been signed into law. Hulse said these bills were “meaningful efforts to cut red tape, save our counties money, protect the right to vote and preserve the interests of South Dakota families.”
“I’m especially excited about the wins that came straight from conversations with constituents—real issues affecting real people. We secured victories on legislation that strengthens local control, cuts red tape for small business owners and increases transparency in government processes. I carried bills to protect our elections, stand up for parental rights and cut spending for county governments. These are not just talking points—they are deliverables. This session proved that when we stick to our conservative principles and listen to our communities, we get results,” said Hulse.
The session came with some disappointments as well.
“I’d be lying if I said every battle ended in victory. There were bills that should have passed—bills that would have reduced the property tax burden on our citizens and held local elected officials more accountable,” Hulse said. “Unfortunately, some of those efforts were slowed by the typical resistance from establishment forces and special interests who are more interested in preserving the status quo than ensuring people can stay in their homes.
“But I’ll say this: I’m not backing down. I’m just getting started. The fights we didn’t win this year are the foundation for next year’s priorities.”
Goodwin said the results of HB 1019, 1163 and 1237, as well as House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 6008 were all disappointments.
HB 1019 is “An act to eliminate certain property taxes levied on owner-occupied single-family dwellings, and to increase certain gross receipts tax rates and use tax rates,” and was deferred to the 41st legislative day. HB 1163 was “An act to make an appropriation for a grant to assist in the construction and equipping of a veteran’s skilled trade center,” and was tabled by the Joint Committee on Appropriations Feb. 27. HB 1237 was “An act to make an appropriation for the reconstruction of Custer West Dam,” and was tabled by the Joint Committee on Appropriations Feb. 26.
HCR 6008 was “A concurrent resolution supporting the effort to bring Amtrak passenger rail service to the state,” and failed March 3 in the Senate by one vote.
“With the penitentiary put on hold, all that money is on hold until the special session. I was hoping this would have been decided this past session, possibly having funds for West Dam and veteran’s skilled trade center,” said Goodwin.
One of the biggest disappointments for Goodwin was that the legislators did not do more on property tax relief.
“It’s crazy that property tax relief is the number one issue, and we did little in this regard,” said Goodwin.
On March 6, the senate unanimously passed HCR 6003 “to provide for an interim study regarding property tax reduction and preservation of the American dream to own a house.” The interim committee will consist of members of the House and Senate, the commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor or their designee. Findings, recommendations and any proposed legislation will be reported to the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council on or before Dec. 1.
“This, in my opinion, is just another stall tactic, kicking the can down the road so to speak,” Goodwin said.
Hulse requested to be a part of the study because she frequently hears from constituents regarding the issue.
“The property tax burden has grown into a crisis for too many South Dakota families—especially for seniors and working-class citizens who are being taxed out of the homes they’ve lived in for generations. This summer study group must deliver real solutions—not half-measures or political cover. I expect bold reforms and honest answers. The people of South Dakota deserve transparency in how these taxes are calculated, accountability for how the revenue is spent and real meaningful relief that doesn’t kick the can down the road or shift the burden to another tax. We owe it to them to take this seriously and act decisively,” said Hulse.
Another big topic of the legislative session was the proposed $825 million for the men’s prison complex 15 miles south of Sioux Falls, which would house about 1,500 inmates. Funding for this was discussed in HB 1025 as “An act to transfer monies to the incarceration construction fund.” This failed in the House with a tied vote Feb. 24.
On Feb. 27, Gov. Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2025-01, ordering that Project Prison Reset be established. Members of the task force will be appointed by Rhoden, and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen will administer and lead the task force. The first meeting will be April 2 in Pierre.
The directives of the task force are to “assess and determine the need for a new prison facility, engage and analyze consultant recommendations on size and design of a new prison facility, determine options for the optimal location of a new prison facility and make recommendations to be considered at a special session to be called by the governor at a later date.”
The task force will make recommendations and proposed legislation to Rhoden by July 15.
Goodwin said he expects the $825 million prison project to “go up in flames” at the special session because the governor’s office selected the committee.
“There were some key legislators, me included, who have spent a lot of time regarding the new penitentiary and weren’t selected for the committee. I think the legislature should have selected the committee, not the governor’s office. This is a critical error because it’s going to take a two-thirds vote to pass,” said Goodwin.
On this topic, Hulse said, “The prison project would have been one of the largest investments the state had ever undertaken, and understandably, it’s drawn scrutiny. I believe we must ensure that any funding moving forward is accompanied by strict oversight, conservative budgeting and measurable outcomes. We are not writing a blank check. Our law enforcement and correctional officers need the tools to do their jobs safely and effectively—but taxpayers deserve assurance that this project is being handled with the utmost fiscal responsibility.”
Looking ahead to next year, Goodwin said the results of the prison project and the yearly operating cost of the prison will have a lot to do with how much money the legislators have to work with.
However, Hulse said a tight budget is an opportunity to cut spending, prioritize, eliminate waste and refocus government.
“We must be good stewards of the people’s money. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that state funding goes to where it’s most needed—not to bloated programs or administrative expansion. That said, it’s time we start being honest with ourselves—South Dakota is increasingly functioning as a welfare state, heavily dependent on the federal government to balance our books. If I remember correctly, over $2 billion of our budget this year came from federal dollars. If Washington decides to cut or restructure major programs, it could send serious shockwaves through our state finances. We need to prepare for that reality now, not when it’s too late. South Dakotans work hard for every dollar, and they deserve a government that works just as hard to protect it,” said Hulse.
In conclusion, Goodwin said he ran on property tax decreases and was not giving up.
“Next session, all members of the Senate and the House are up for reelection as are the four governor candidates. I’m hopeful this will put the needed pressure we need to pass meaningful property tax relief,” said Goodwin.
Hulse concluded, saying, “I want the people of South Dakota to know that I don’t take this role lightly. I went to Pierre to fight for the forgotten, to bring the voices of small towns and working families to the capitol and to be a bold, unapologetic conservative in an era where too many politicians are afraid to stand their ground. I believe in South Dakota. I believe in our values, our faith and our future. And I will never stop working to defend them. This session was just the beginning.”
The House and Senate will both convene for the consideration of executive vetoes Monday, March 31.