Bill
HB 1137
The bill appropriates state funds to design and construct an athletic facility at the University of South Dakota, taking effect immediately via an emergency clause.
HB 1137 (South Dakota, 2026 Session) — Summary
Purpose
- The bill provides an appropriation for the design and construction of an athletic facility at the University of South Dakota and declares an emergency. The intent is to fund planning and building costs for a new or expanded athletic facility at USD.
Key Provisions
- Appropriation: The bill appropriates state funds for both the design (planning, architectural/engineering) and construction (building phase) of an athletic facility at the University of South Dakota. Specific dollar amounts are not listed in the provided text, but the bill is framed as a single appropriation for both design and construction.
- Emergency Declaration: The bill includes an emergency clause, which, if enacted, would allow the appropriation to become effective immediately upon signature and avoid the normal delay period for implementing the funding.
- Project Scope (as intended by title): The funds are designated specifically for the design and construction of an athletic facility at USD, implying facilities such as a new or refurbished athletics complex, practice facilities, or multi-use athletic venue.
Affected Parties
- Primary: University of South Dakota (USD) and its athletics programs, facilities staff, and student-athletes.
- Secondary: State treasury and general fund, as the appropriation would impact state spending; taxpayers; potential contractors, architects, engineers, and construction firms involved in the project.
Procedural and Timeline Details
- Legislative path: The bill originated in the South Dakota Legislature in the 2026 session and progressed through the Joint Committee on Appropriations, then through the Senate and House.
- Key milestones:
- January 26, 2026: Referred to the Joint Committee on Appropriations (H.J. reference)
- January 27, 2026: Referred to Joint Committee on Appropriations (H.J. continued)
- February 9, 2026: Appropriations Committee "Do Pass" with 18 yeas, 0 nays
- February 10, 2026: House of Representatives "Do Pass" with 61 yeas, 5 nays
- February 12, 2026: Senate Do Pass, Passed YEAS 33, NAYS 0
- February 17, 2026: Signed by the Speaker
- February 18, 2026: Signed by the President
- February 19, 2026: Delivered to the Governor
- February 25, 2026: Signed by the Governor (H.J. 438)
- Effective date: Due to the emergency clause, the bill’s provisions would take effect immediately upon signing, bypassing standard delay periods unless otherwise specified.
Impact Considerations
- Financial: Immediate state funding for USD athletic facilities could impact the state’s budget in the current fiscal year and may require adjustments to the appropriation by the legislature or funding sources.
- Operational: USD would be able to commence design and construction promptly, potentially expediting the availability of the facility for athletes, events, and related programs.
- Economic: Construction activity could create local jobs and ecosystem effects (architects, engineers, contractors, vendors).
Notes
- The bill text mentions an emergency declaration but does not provide the specific dollar figures or project timeline details in the provided excerpt. For complete comprehension, the enacted statutes, appropriation amounts, project scope, repayment terms (if any), and funding source would be found in the official bill text and fiscal note.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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