SB 161: Gordon County; school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption

Right now, Gordon County school district property taxes rise as a home's assessed value rises each year. This bill would create a 'floating' homestead exemption that limits how much of that increase counts for school tax purposes. Starting with the 2026 tax year, the taxable value used for school taxes would be based on a 'base year' value (generally the prior year's value) adjusted upward only by an inflation rate the Gordon County tax commissioner calculates annually, plus the value of any major additions or improvements. Homeowners already receiving a similar exemption in 2025 would be enrolled automatically; others must apply. The exemption would not reduce state, county, municipal, or independent school district taxes, and would not stack with other base-year exemptions for the school district. Because it affects local taxation, the bill requires a two-thirds vote in the General Assembly and voter approval in a November 2025 referendum; if voters reject it or no election is held, the law repeals automatically about a year later.

1. 2025-02-26House Second Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2025-02-24House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2025-02-21Senate Passed/Adopted (Senado)
4. 2025-02-21Senate Committee Favorably Reported (Senado)
5. 2025-02-13Senate Read and Referred (Senado)
6. 2025-02-12Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)Patrocinador principal
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)

1. AprobadaVotación: Senado21 de febrero de 2025

   46 a favor, 0 en contra (9 sin votar, 1 ausentes)

   Local Consent Calendar: Senate Vote #78