Make an appropriation for increasing the benefit amounts of the temporary assistance for needy families program, and to declare an emergency.
Summary
House Bill 1293 makes a one-time general fund appropriation of $6.8 million to the South Dakota Department of Social Services to increase benefit amounts for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The bill directs the department to provide TANF benefit amounts equal to those paid during fiscal year 2025, beginning on the effective date of the act and continuing through July 1, 2027.
The measure also includes standard administrative provisions: the Department of Social Services secretary must approve vouchers, the state auditor must issue warrants for payment, and any unspent or unobligated funds must revert under state law. It contains an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage and approval rather than waiting for the normal effective date.
Impact
HB1293 would temporarily increase TANF cash assistance payments by restoring benefit levels to fiscal year 2025 amounts, funded through a $6.8 million general fund appropriation. It would affect the Department of Social Services’ administration of public assistance and the state budget, while not permanently changing the underlying TANF statute beyond the appropriation period. The bill would also invoke emergency procedures to make the funding and benefit increase effective immediately if enacted.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill drew little visible opposition at the recorded stage, with a 17-0 vote to table it. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no direct record of debate or testimony in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a targeted aid increase for low-income families, which typically carries supportive social-welfare intent, but the tabling vote indicates the proposal did not advance at that point.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is fiscal: the bill requires a $6.8 million general fund appropriation to raise TANF benefits, which may raise concerns about state spending priorities and the temporary nature of the increase. Another possible issue is policy design, since the bill restores benefits only through July 1, 2027 rather than making a permanent adjustment. Because no committee discussion is included, specific arguments from supporters or opponents are not available in the record provided.
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