make an appropriation for the design and construction of an indoor athletics facility at Dakota State University and to declare an emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Casey Crabtree and 9 co-sponsors

South Dakota SB 116 appropriates state funds for the design and construction of an indoor athletics facility at Dakota State University, declared an emergency to speed execution.

Signed by the Governor on 2026-03-02 S.J. 420

#appropriation #athletics #emergencyclause #highereducation #publicconstruction #uncodifiedacts

Overview

Bill: SB 116

Session: 2026

Jurisdiction: South Dakota

Title: Make an appropriation for the design and construction of an indoor athletics facility at Dakota State University and to declare an emergency

Status (as of actions provided): Signed by the Governor on 2026-03-02, after passing the Legislature with committee and floor action in February 2026

Primary purpose: Provide state funding for the design and construction of an indoor athletics facility at Dakota State University (DSU). The bill also designates the measure as an emergency to assist in timely completion.

Key Provisions and Changes

Appropriation Target: The bill allocates state funds specifically for the design and construction of an indoor athletics facility at Dakota State University. Details such as total dollar amounts, funding breakdown (design vs. construction phases), and funding sources (general fund, bonds, etc.) are not included in the provided summary, but the bill’s primary action is to appropriate funds for this project.

Project Scope: Indoor athletics facility at Dakota State University. Likely includes amenities such as a multi-use gymnasium or practice spaces, spectator seating, and related support facilities, though exact design features are not enumerated in the provided material.

Emergency Declaration: The bill declares an emergency, which typically allows for expedited process and appropriations to avoid delays in funding and project initiation. In practice, this often means quicker timelines for budgeting, procurement, and construction approvals.

Who and What Is Affected

Dakota State University (DSU): The primary beneficiary and user of the funds. The university would be responsible for overseeing design and construction of the facility, ensuring compliance with state procurement, and fulfilling reporting requirements.

State and Public Entities: State government departments involved in budgeting, capital projects, and emergency declarations may be affected by the streamlined procurement and funding processes associated with the emergency designation.

Taxpayers/Public: Indirectly affected as funders of the appropriation; the emergency designation can impact timelines and debt or cash flow considerations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Path:

Senate action included a Do Pass Amended with a unanimous YEAS vote (33-0).
House action included amendments and a Do Pass Amended with a strong YEAS vote (56-11), followed by passage and sending to the Governor.
The Governor signed the bill on 2026-03-02.

Effective/Emergency Timing: The bill’s emergency designation implies faster implementation of funding for the project, potentially enabling earlier design contracts, procurement, and construction milestones compared with non-emergency appropriations.

Delivery Timeline: The provided history indicates a rapid progression through both chambers in February 2026, culminating in governor's signature in March 2026. Specific project milestones (design start, groundbreaking, completion date) would be defined in the project’s appropriation language and any accompanying capital outlay plan or bill exhibits.

Notes for Readers

The summary reflects the substantive intent to fund an indoor athletics facility at DSU and to expedite the funding process via an emergency declaration.

Exact dollar figures, funding structure (e.g., general fund vs. bonds), project specifications, and reporting requirements would be found in the bill’s detailed appropriation provisions and any related exhibits or fiscal notes.

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