MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Gov. Larry Rhoden signed two property tax relief bills Thursday that his office says will deliver the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history. The bills, Senate Bill 96 and Senate Bill 245, were signed during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre.

Senate Bill 96 authorizes a county-option half-cent sales tax aimed at reducing owner-occupied property taxes, while Senate Bill 245 creates a homeowner property tax reduction fund. Legislative tracking shows both bills were signed by the governor March 12.

Rhoden’s office said the measures were the top property tax package approved this session. Democrats and other critics have argued some of that money could have instead gone toward priorities such as Medicaid, education or state employee pay.

Thursday marked the final day of South Dakota’s 2026 regular legislative session. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol on March 30 for Veto Day