The South Dakota House on Thursday narrowly rejected a proposal to give voters more time to force an election on school opt-out property‑tax increases.
SB 223 would have extended the referral petition window from 20 days to 40 days after a school board publishes notice of an opt-out. Supporters said the current deadline makes referrals nearly impossible in large districts such as Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen.
Rep. Al Novstrup, R‑Aberdeen, spoke on the intention of the bill..
Rep. John Shubeck, R‑Beresford, argued the bill lowers the bar for overturning school board decisions and enables voters who don’t participate in local elections…
The bill failed 34–32, with four members excused. Rep. Logan Manhart, R‑Aberdeen, filed a notice of intent to reconsider, which could bring SB 223 back for another vote.
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