SD Senate rejects property tax credits for nonpublic education options
Feb 13, 2025 | 6:20 pm ET
Description
The state flag flies in front of the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
A proposal to offer property tax credits for nonpublic education options failed in the South Dakota Senate on Thursday in Pierre.
The bill would have allowed property owners to claim tax credits for costs related to private school tuition, homeschooling or other forms of alternative instruction. The Senate voted 24-11 against the bill.
Some lawmakers opposed the bill due to its financial impact on public schools.
“This bill could be over $100 million directly in property tax funds that the schools will not receive,” said Sen. Kyle Schoenfish, R-Scotland.
Two other school choice bills failed during their initial committee hearings last month. The bills would have provided state funds for students to help cover their nonpublic education costs.
Pierre, SD