Session Week 5 Update

Hello District 4 friends and neighbors, It's been a couple of weeks since my last update, and I appreciate your patience as the 2026 legislative session continues to move forward here in Pierre. As of today, February 13, we're well into the heart of the session, with plenty of activity on key bills and priorities that impact our communities.

A key focus for me has been HB 1005, the data center sales and use tax exemption bill. It was assigned to the House State Affairs Committee (even though it's fundamentally a tax measure), and I presented it there earlier this month. You play the hand you're dealt, as they say. After testimony from both proponents and opponents, thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views, the committee decided the bill did not advance and deferred it to the 41st legislative day. That effectively means it won't move forward this session.

I remain disappointed that it wasn't treated as a tax bill and heard in the House Taxation Committee, where such measures typically belong. Many of us believed it deserved a full floor debate in the House. In an election year, assigning it to State Affairs may have offered some political advantages or cover on both sides. Still, I respect the committee's decision and appreciate the thoughtful input from all involved.

Reflecting on HB 1005, so much of what we're told about the future is transmitted to us by people who ratchet their way to power by terrifying and compelling the population, and that's the sign of a kind of tyranny. Instead, let's develop an invitational vision where we have an abundant world for everyone if we set our mind on that. Bills like this one represent opportunities to foster growth, innovation, and prosperity in South Dakota, especially in rural areas like ours where data centers could bring jobs, infrastructure, and economic vitality without relying on fear-based narratives.

On a more positive note, my other bills, HB 1188 and HB 1189, both focused on highway safety, moved smoothly through the House Transportation Committee and passed the full House with strong support. I'll be presenting them next week in the Senate Transportation Committee, and I'm optimistic about their prospects as we work to make our roads safer for families across the district and state.

Work continues on a wide range of legislation. Property taxes remain a top priority for many of us, and lawmakers are reviewing roughly 30 different bill ideas aimed at providing relief. The House Taxation Committee is doing an excellent job serving as a "sieve," carefully evaluating each one. As expected, most will not advance, but the process ensures we focus on the strongest, most impactful options for South Dakotans.

As always, I'm grateful for your support and input, whether on these bills or other issues affecting District 4. Feel free to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. Together, we're working to build a stronger, more prosperous South Dakota. Stay warm and safe out there!

Melissa & I