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South Dakota House Education Committee Defers HB1291
Bill to amend school district general fund base percentage calculation faces opposition
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The South Dakota House Education Committee heard testimony on HB1291, a bill that would amend the process for calculating a school district's general fund base percentage, with a focus on how much schools are paying for insurance. Prime Sponsor Representative Spencer Gosch discussed an amendment he put into the bill, but the committee ultimately voted 8-6 to defer the bill to the 41st day, with the committee chair suggesting a summer study on the issue.
Why it matters
This bill highlights ongoing debates around school funding and insurance costs in South Dakota, with lawmakers and education officials disagreeing on the potential impacts of the proposed changes. The deferral suggests the need for further analysis and stakeholder input before any legislative action.
The details
HB1291 was introduced by District 23 Representative Spencer Gosch, who talked about an amendment he put into the bill. The main focus of the bill was on how much schools are paying for insurance. Opposing the bill was Steven Kohler with the South Dakota Bureau of Finance and Management, as well as South Dakota Secretary of Education Joe Graves, who questioned whether the bill would lead to a decrease in insurance costs. After committee discussion, a motion to pass the bill out of committee failed 8-6. The committee then voted 8-6 to defer the bill to the 41st day, with the committee chair, Representative Lana Greenfield, suggesting a summer study should be done to look further into the issue.
- The South Dakota House Education Committee heard testimony on HB1291 on February 9, 2026.
- The committee voted 8-6 to defer the bill to the 41st day on February 9, 2026.
The players
Spencer Gosch
District 23 Representative and prime sponsor of HB1291.
Steven Kohler
Representative from the South Dakota Bureau of Finance and Management, who opposed the bill.
Joe Graves
South Dakota Secretary of Education, who opposed the bill and questioned its potential impact on insurance costs.
Lana Greenfield
House Education Committee Chair, who opposed passage of the bill but voted to defer it to the 41st day, suggesting a summer study on the issue.
What they’re saying
“We must look closely at the impact this bill could have on school insurance costs before taking any action.”
— Joe Graves, South Dakota Secretary of Education (HubCityRadio)
“A summer study is needed to fully understand the implications of this bill and ensure we're making the best decisions for our schools.”
— Lana Greenfield, House Education Committee Chair (HubCityRadio)
What’s next
The House Education Committee will revisit HB1291 on the 41st day of the legislative session, after conducting a summer study on the potential impacts of the bill.
The takeaway
This deferral highlights the complex and often contentious nature of school funding debates in South Dakota, with lawmakers and education officials seeking to balance cost-saving measures with the needs of students and teachers. The call for further analysis suggests a desire to find a solution that works for all stakeholders.
