Scored 4/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The School Districts Bill
School districts barred from using tax money to back unions
Limit the use of taxpayer funds and resources by a public education employer to support a labor organization or affiliate and to provide a penalty therefor.
Mixed: some good, some bad ·
If passed, schools could not spend taxpayer money to support a teachers' union or its affiliate, and could be fined for doing so.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
This bill tries to keep your tax dollars away from union politics, but it could weaken teachers' bargaining power and limit their ability to protect classroom resources.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Bill would stop public schools from using any taxpayer funds to support a labor union or its affiliate.
- Violations would trigger a penalty (fine) on the school district.
- The bill was introduced in South Dakota and has been voted down in the House.
- All sponsors are Republican legislators.
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
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- Phil Jensen (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Al Novstrup (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Jon Hansen (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Leslie Heinemann (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Elizabeth May (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Tony Randolph (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Tina Mulally (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
- Spencer Gosch (R): voted for it, crossing most Republicans
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the South Dakota Bill Book 2026
The best and worst South Dakota bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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