FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Signs Bills to Support Rural Communities

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed five bills supporting agriculture and rural communities, including HB 1048, which makes an appropriation for the expansion of broadband infrastructure.

“Our ag industry and rural communities are the heartbeat of our state,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “By investing in rural broadband, we create new opportunities for rural South Dakotans to be connected without having to relocate to find success.”

Governor Rhoden also signed the following four bills:

• SB 131 revises the season in which a nonprofit organization may host a special pheasant hunt for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients;
• SB 231 creates the water infrastructure development fund, provides an appropriation, provides for the awarding of grants and loans from the fund for certain rural water projects, and declares an emergency;
• HB 1254 exempts any soil amendment used exclusively for agricultural purposes from sales tax; and
• HB 1263 eliminates an exclusion from the definition of an agricultural equipment dealer.

Governor Rhoden has signed 239 bills into law and vetoed two this legislative session. There are no additional bills awaiting action by the Governor.

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