This bill amends the salary calculation for members of the South Dakota Legislature by replacing the previous index with a new formula. Specifically, it changes the salary from being equal to one-fifth of the South Dakota median household income to twenty-two percent of the same income, as reported by the American Community Survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The bill also stipulates that this salary will be ascertained and adjusted annually by the State Board of Finance, taking effect on January 1st of each year for every regular legislative session.

In addition to the salary adjustments, the bill outlines the reimbursement and expense provisions for legislators. Members will receive reimbursement for actual mileage traveled to and from home during the legislative session, a daily expense allowance of one hundred twenty-three dollars for living expenses, and five cents per mile for necessary travel to the meeting place of the Legislature. Furthermore, for attendance at special sessions, members will receive a per diem based on the normal daily compensation from the preceding regular session. These changes aim to provide a more equitable and updated compensation structure for legislators.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/28/2026: 2-4-2