Gov. Rhoden's property tax freeze last surviving relief package

South Dakota lawmakers still divided on how to address reform

Gov. Larry Rhoden, Rep. Tim Reisch and Rep. Trish Ladner. (Photo: Dakota Scout)

PIERRE — The South Dakota Legislature is running out of time to provide promised property tax relief, with lawmakers rejecting nearly two dozen proposals aimed at addressing rising home valuations and tax bills.

The House and Senate on Monday voted down the last of more than 20 bills, including one backed by Gov. Larry Rhoden, all falling victim to concerns over tax shifts, insufficient or ineffective relief, or being too painful for taxing authorities.

“Property tax has more tentacles than you can even imagine,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Marty Overweg, expressing frustration felt across the Legislature as proposal after proposal failed to gain traction. “If we’re going to do something to help property tax, we have to make sure we do something without hurting somebody else. This is a challenge, and this is why we haven’t been able to come up with something.”