Weekly Update, March 7-12, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

Our South Dakota Capitol March 12, 2026

The 2026 legislative session came to a close this week, and on Thursday, Governor Rhoden signed the major property tax relief bills, SB 96 and SB 245, into law. It was a historic moment, delivering what many are calling the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history. Homeowners across the state stand to see real savings, with estimates ranging from $500 to $1,200 annually depending on your home value and location.

Even though I voted against SB 245, I was asked to attend the signing ceremony. I was honored to be there and to get credit for helping architect property tax relief. My work on HB 1308 earlier in the session, phasing in sales tax adjustments while targeting real reductions in school property taxes for owner-occupied homes, laid important groundwork for these discussions. I believe homeowners deserve meaningful relief from rising taxes, and I'm glad that principle moved forward.

That said, I still have concerns about SB 245. By redirecting 100 percent of the future sales tax revenue stream to property owners, it benefits higher-value homes more and leaves renters, tenants, state workers, teachers, road crews, caregivers, and our schools out of the equation. Good governance requires balancing homeowner relief with protecting the essentials everyone depends on, the "big three" that educate our kids, keep our roads safe, and care for our elderly. SB 96 gives counties a voluntary tool to offset taxes, which is more flexible, but we need to monitor implementation closely to ensure fairness and no unintended hits to public services.

On a brighter note, I'm proud we passed bills like SB 222, which I strongly supported. It appropriates $10 million from the general fund for water quality improvements: $8 million to help landowners install riparian buffers (those protective vegetated strips along streams and rivers that reduce runoff and pollution) and $2 million for upgrades to local water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. This is practical, bipartisan investment in clean water for our farms, families, and communities, long-term stewardship that benefits everyone without shortchanging other priorities. It passed with strong support and shows we can make smart, inclusive choices.

One area where I have real regret is that, despite these tax relief steps, we didn't produce much meaningful positive economic good news this session. The focus stayed heavily on tax debates, creating a negative aura with constant attacks on ideas that could expand our economic base, whether through incentives for new industries, infrastructure, or other growth opportunities. Some succeeded in stripping counties and municipalities of flexible economic development tools that help create jobs and broaden opportunities, especially in rural South Dakota where we need every advantage to attract investment, retain young people, and build prosperity for the long haul. True prosperity comes from growing the pie, not just redistributing slices, and I wish we'd done more to advance that vision.

Session's over, but the job continues. I'll keep an eye on how these new laws play out, advocate for responsible spending, and push back on waste. If the tax relief doesn't deliver as promised or if schools and services feel the pinch, we'll address it next year.

Thank you for your thoughts and input throughout the session, they truly shaped my work. Reach out anytime with questions or ideas. I'm here for you.

All the best,

Kent Roe

South Dakota District 4 House of Representatives

605 520 4710

X:  Kent Roe@OxfordthomasRoe