The bill amends South Dakota law concerning the referral of ordinances and resolutions to voters, particularly in county and municipal governance. It establishes that ordinances or resolutions passed by county commissioners or municipalities will take effect twenty days after publication, unless they are categorized for immediate effect due to public safety or government support. Additionally, it clarifies that any ordinance or resolution referred to a vote will not take effect until the referendum process is completed. The petition process for voters to refer such measures is also modified, requiring signatures from at least five percent of registered voters or a maximum of 2,500 voters, whichever is fewer, within twenty days of publication. Certain ordinances, such as those executing pre-adopted plans, are exempt from being referred to a vote.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for taxing districts regarding excess tax levies, allowing them to impose such levies with a two-thirds affirmative vote, provided they publish the decision and notify taxpayers. Registered voters can refer a resolution to impose an excess tax levy by filing a petition with similar signature requirements. The bill also amends the referendum process for school districts, allowing voters to refer resolutions related to school board decisions, and repeals outdated sections concerning the referendum process for county commissioners and school boards. Overall, the bill aims to streamline and clarify the referendum process while ensuring essential government functions can proceed without unnecessary delays.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/04/2026: 7-18A-15, 7-18A-29, 9-4-4.5, 9-19-13, 9-20-6, 9-20-8, 10-12-43, 10-13-35.13, 10-13-36, 11-2-47.1, 13-7-32, 13-16-6.4, 13-26-9, 13-64-7, 7-18A-15.1, 7-18A-16, 13-26-10, 13-64-8
House Engrossed, 02/23/2026: 7-18A-15, 7-18A-29, 9-4-4.5, 9-19-13, 9-20-6, 9-20-8, 10-12-43, 10-13-35.13, 10-13-36, 11-2-47.1, 13-7-32, 13-16-6.4, 13-26-9, 13-64-7, 7-18A-15.1, 7-18A-16, 13-26-10, 13-64-8
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 03/05/2026: 7-18A-8, 7-18A-15, 7-18A-29, 9-4-4.5, 9-19-13, 9-20-6, 9-20-8, 10-12-43, 10-13-35.13, 10-13-36, 11-2-47.1, 13-7-32, 13-16-6.4, 13-26-9, 13-64-7, 7-18A-15.1, 7-18A-16, 13-26-10, 13-64-8
Senate Engrossed, 03/10/2026: 7-18A-8, 7-18A-15, 7-18A-29, 9-4-4.5, 9-19-13, 9-20-6, 9-20-8, 10-12-43, 10-12-43.1, 10-13-35.13, 10-13-36, 11-2-47.1, 13-7-32, 13-16-6.4, 13-26-9, 13-64-7, 7-18A-15.1, 7-18A-16, 9-20-19, 13-26-10, 13-64-8