District 19 Senator Kyle Schoenfish 2024 Legislative Article – Week 4

By Mitchell Now February 5, 2024 7:01 am

PIERRE, SD (MITCHELL NOW) The 2024 legislative session is almost half over with the completion of week 4.

In Senate Taxation we heard Senate Bill 167, a bill to limit annual valuation increases on owner occupied homes. The change would result in increased taxes on agricultural and commercial property. Opponents included the South Dakota Department of Revenue, agricultural organizations, cities, schools, counties, and business groups.

The South Dakota Constitution requires property taxes to be fair and equitable across all classes of property. SB 167 would violate that by passing the burden on to other properties.

Drastically increasing taxes on farmers and business owners is not the answer to property tax concerns. SB 167 passed the Taxation Committee, 4-3, but failed on the Senate floor, 20-11. I voted against it each time.

I can be contacted at 605-660-6468 or kyle.schoenfish@sdlegislature.gov.

Kyle Schoenfish
District 19 State Senator
Chairman of Senate Education

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