South Dakota school districts in target of property tax revolt
Lawmakers, activists pushing to force public votes on opt outs
PIERRE – School districts would be required to get voter approval for property tax opt outs under legislation that cleared a House committee Monday night.
Senate Bill 85 has already passed in the Senate, and it’s narrow 8-7 win in the House Education Committee sets up a full House vote that could mean a big change for school districts, which consume the majority of property tax revenues in South Dakota.
School districts and other local governments are constrained by state law in how much money they can raise each year through property taxes. But they can also opt out of that limit, taking more revenue than allowed under state law. Opt outs, however, are referrable to a public vote.
Lawmakers stick to their guns in requiring enhanced permits to carry firearms at colleges
PIERRE – Two efforts to expand firearms in South Dakota schools were rebuffed Monday, with a majority of lawmakers on the House Education Committee saying the state’s laws enhance Second Amendment rights and promote school safety.
