Weekly Update March 1-6, 2026

Dear friends and neighbors of District 4,

Governor Rhoden signing my HB1189

We now have only four days remaining in this legislative session. The clock is ticking, and with it comes a clear and weighty reminder of the heavy responsibility we carry. We are not here to chase applause or headlines, but to voluntarily shoulder the burden of bringing genuine order and practical results to the people we serve.

I’m pleased to share real progress on the issues that matter most to our rural communities. I had the honor of serving as prime sponsor of SCR 607, which has now passed both chambers and been enrolled. This resolution urges Congress to authorize and support federal participation in four major regional rural water projects identified by the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems: the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System serving central and southern eastern South Dakota, the Western Dakota Regional Water System addressing chronic shortages in the west, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System with its potential second expansion, and the Water Investment in Northern South Dakota.

This resolution ties directly to the work I sponsored in SB 231, which creates a new Water Infrastructure Development Fund. That fund will provide the state grants and loans needed to help make these exact projects a reality. It gives us the practical state-side tools to match and accelerate the federal support we’re requesting. Together, these measures represent something solid and responsible: a real plan to secure clean, reliable water for our farms, families, and towns for generations to come.

I also voted yes on SB 236 and SB 240. These were good, straightforward support for our townships. SB 124 struck me as a sensible compromise worth backing, and SB 96 gives counties real options for delivering property-tax relief to homeowners. I voted for it without hesitation.

On public safety, SB 69 is essential. This bill provides the resources our South Dakota Highway Patrol needs for recruitment and retention, including the replacement of our aging patrol aircraft so our troopers have reliable tools for aerial enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency response across our vast state. Our troopers protect every mile of road in this state; we must not leave them short-handed.

Unfortunately, one pattern continues to unfold daily in these halls, and it is both tiresome and telling: the endless posturing, theatrics, and manufactured drama that too many seem to prefer over the voluntary acceptance of serious responsibility and the establishment of genuine order. This was clearly on display with SB 135. That bill steps directly on the authority of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission when it comes to investor-owned utilities. It was also on display with the unfortunate hijinx that occurred in the Senate with Senators Pischke and Carley. Instead of standing in their places and courageously casting the votes they were elected to deliver, these senators deliberately absented themselves to block data center legislation, forcing their colleagues to launch embarrassing searches of the Capitol and bringing the chamber’s work to a shameful standstill. Such behavior reveals a profound unwillingness to accept responsibility. Meanwhile, our electric cooperatives have done an outstanding job serving rural South Dakota for nearly 90 years with competence and community focus. Regarding water:

We must respect proper structures and authority. After all, no one can simply go out and start digging a well without first respecting the clear thresholds that apply to well drilling. Domestic wells for household or farm use are generally exempt only up to 18 gallons per minute (or 25,920 gallons per day). Anything larger, or for irrigation or commercial use, requires a full water right permit from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources that must be approved before drilling can even begin. Because these measures added far more noise and overreach than practical solutions, I voted against SJR 508 and SB 135. We do not have time for theater when real work remains.

I was saddened to see HB 1202 fail on the House floor. As an appropriation bill, it required a two-thirds majority, and we fell just short. This measure would have authorized a new trades center on the campus of Lake Area Technical College. It is important that we keep LATC and our other technical schools properly funded and growing. These institutions deliver outstanding career and technical training that opens real job opportunities for our young people right here in South Dakota. These are practical pathways that build competence and allow them to take responsibility for their own lives while contributing meaningfully to strong communities.

On a brighter note, HB 1189 was signed into law by Governor Rhoden this week, and HB 1188 has been delivered to his desk for signature. This is good policy from good ideas. It is plain, practical, good policy that delivers real results for the people we serve. These are tangible steps forward.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our outstanding House Pages, who keep this place running with quiet competence. A special shout-out to Jennica Koistinen, senior at Hamlin High School. These young people remind us why we do this work and what we are really here to protect.

Jennica Koistinen paged this last week in the House!

I was also interviewed this week for South Dakota Focus, an SDPB program, about the goings-on in Pierre. The interview will broadcast later this month.

As we head into these final four days, I remain focused on the task before us: putting South Dakota first, with clarity, courage, and common sense. My door and inbox are always open. Reach out anytime.

Sincerely,

Kent Roe

State Representative District 4