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Committee sends 16-year consecutive term-limits question to ballot calendar

South Dakota House State Affairs Committee · February 25, 2026

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Summary

SJR501, a joint resolution asking voters whether to impose a 16-consecutive-year cap on legislative service, drew mixed testimony. Proponents said the measure returns choice to voters; opponents warned it reduces local control. The committee sent the resolution to the 40-first-day calendar.

A House State Affairs committee considered SJR501, a proposed constitutional amendment asking South Dakota voters whether to limit consecutive legislative service to 16 years.

Sponsor Sen. Mike Rolle told the panel SJR501 "proposes to the voters a firm cap of 16 consecutive legislative years," arguing the change balances institutional knowledge with regular turnover and allows voters to decide. Supporters including Rep. Jack Koviak and citizens said term limits renew citizen participation in government.

Opponents, notably Representative Nastrip and lobbyists representing business groups, argued the measure undermines local control and "is a solution looking for a problem," noting only a small number of legislators would be affected historically. After sponsor rebuttal and committee discussion, the committee adopted a 40-first-day motion to place SJR501 on the 40-first-day calendar (voice and roll-call actions reflected the committee’s majority).