The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the process for school districts to hold bond elections. Specifically, it modifies Section 13-16-6.4 to require that any approval to enter into an agreement or issue capital outlay certificates must be subject to a referendum if five percent of registered voters petition for it. The question will now be placed on the ballot at the next primary or general election, rather than at a special election. Additionally, the business manager is tasked with notifying that the question will be on the ballot at these elections and must prepare official ballots accordingly.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that an affirmative vote of at least sixty percent of those voting is required for the approval of the agreement or issuance of capital outlay certificates. If the question is not approved during a primary election, the school board has the option to place the question on the ballot for the next general election. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that school funding decisions are made during regularly scheduled elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/24/2025: 13-16-6.4