The South Dakota Senate deadlocked Tuesday on whether to make the state’s 4.2% sales‑and‑use tax rate permanent.
Senators split 17–17 on removing the clause that restores the rate to 4.5% on July 1, 2027.
Sen. Chris Karr of Sioux Falls, the sponsor of Senate Bill 195, immediately filed notice to reconsider, meaning the issue could return today.
Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who presides over the Senate, declined to break the tie, effectively stopping the bill for the day.
The vote came against the backdrop of an ongoing question: Can the lieutenant governor legally break tie votes on bills?
Earlier this session, Karr challenged that authority.
One section of the state constitution says the lieutenant governor may break ties; another says bills need a majority of elected senators, and the lieutenant governor isn’t a member.
A majority of senators sided with Karr.
Governor Larry Rhoden has since asked the South Dakota Supreme Court for an advisory opinion, and the issue is still pending.
The Senate has seen an unusual number of ties this year because Sen. Arch Beal of Sioux Falls has been excused for health reasons, leaving only 34 senators voting.
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