A House committee on Friday unanimously rejected a bill that would have changed how South Dakota lawmakers are paid.
Rep. Al Novstrup, R‑Aberdeen, brought House Bill 1177, which proposed adjusting legislators’ salaries from the current one‑fifth of the state’s median household income to 22% and switching to a less volatile income index. Novstrup said the change was minor and suggested the committee consider 21.73% to keep salaries neutral.
Committee members declined to support the bill. Rep. Greg Jamison, R‑Sioux Falls, questioned the need to alter the formula, while Rep. Erin Healy, D‑Sioux Falls, said salary discussions should wait until the state can afford raises for teachers, service providers, and state employees.
Gov. Larry Rhoden’s proposed 2027 budget includes no funding increases for schools, Medicaid providers, or state workers.
The committee voted unanimously to send the bill to the 41st day, effectively killing it.
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