The bill seeks to modernize and clarify the governance and operational procedures of water development districts in South Dakota. It establishes that these districts are political subdivisions of the state, which can be created through legislative acts or specific procedural processes. Key amendments include updates to the definitions and boundaries of existing districts, such as the Central Plains and East Dakota districts, and a revised petition process for establishing or withdrawing from a district. The bill mandates that elections for the establishment of districts and the initial board of directors must adhere to general election laws, ensuring adequate voter involvement and representation.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for budget reporting and tax levies, including the necessity for public hearings prior to budget approval and detailed itemizations of expenses. It allows the board of directors to cooperate with external entities, acquire property, and manage funds more effectively. The bill also clarifies the process for special assessments and the responsibilities of the board, including the establishment of a capital reserve fund. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and financial management of water development districts while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/17/2025: 46A-3A-1, 46A-3A-1.1, 46A-3A-2, 46A-3A-3, 46A-3A-4, 46A-3A-5, 46A-3A-6, 46A-3A-7, 46A-3A-7.1, 46A-3A-8, 46A-3A-9, 46A-3A-10, 46A-3A-11, 46A-3A-12, 46A-3A-13, 46A-3A-14, 46A-3A-15, 46A-3A-16, 46A-3A-17, 46A-3B-1, 46A-3B-2, 46A-3B-2.1, 46A-3B-3, 46A-3B-4, 46A-3B-5, 46A-3B-6, 46A-3B-7, 46A-3B-8, 46A-3B-9, 46A-3B-10, 46A-3B-11, 46A-3B-12, 46A-3C-1, 46A-3C-2, 46A-3C-3, 46A-3C-4, 46A-3C-5, 46A-3C-6, 46A-3D-1, 46A-3D-2, 46A-3D-3, 46A-3D-4, 46A-3D-5, 46A-3D-6, 46A-3D-7, 46A-3D-8, 46A-3D-9, 46A-3D-10, 46A-3D-11, 46A-3D-12, 46A-3E-1, 46A-3E-2, 46A-3E-3, 46A-3E-4, 46A-3E-5, 46A-3E-6, 46A-3E-7, 46A-3E-8, 46A-3E-9, 46A-3E-10, 46A-3E-11, 46A-3E-12, 46A-3E-13, 46A-3E-14, 46A-3B-13, 46A-3D-13, 46A-3E-15
House Engrossed, 01/30/2025: 46A-3A-1, 46A-3A-1.1, 46A-3A-2, 46A-3A-3, 46A-3A-4, 46A-3A-5, 46A-3A-6, 46A-3A-7, 46A-3A-7.1, 46A-3A-8, 46A-3A-9, 46A-3A-10, 46A-3A-11, 46A-3A-12, 46A-3A-13, 46A-3A-14, 46A-3A-15, 46A-3A-16, 46A-3A-17, 46A-3B-1, 46A-3B-2, 46A-3B-2.1, 46A-3B-3, 46A-3B-4, 46A-3B-5, 46A-3B-6, 46A-3B-7, 46A-3B-8, 46A-3B-9, 46A-3B-10, 46A-3B-11, 46A-3B-12, 46A-3C-1, 46A-3C-2, 46A-3C-3, 46A-3C-4, 46A-3C-5, 46A-3C-6, 46A-3D-1, 46A-3D-2, 46A-3D-3, 46A-3D-4, 46A-3D-5, 46A-3D-6, 46A-3D-7, 46A-3D-8, 46A-3D-9, 46A-3D-10, 46A-3D-11, 46A-3D-12, 46A-3D-13, 46A-3E-1, 46A-3E-2, 46A-3E-3, 46A-3E-4, 46A-3E-5, 46A-3E-6, 46A-3E-7, 46A-3E-8, 46A-3E-9, 46A-3E-10, 46A-3E-11, 46A-3E-12, 46A-3E-13, 46A-3E-14, 46A-3B-13, 46A-3E-15