An oversight correction relating to housing grant dollars in South Dakota tribal settings is advancing through the legislature.
Last year, lawmakers passed the $200 million Housing Infrastructure Finance Program. House Bill 1041 will modify the bill's definition of public infrastructure to allow federally recognized tribes to claim from that pot. Further, it declares an emergency to allow tribal groups to claim that money sooner than later.
The bill was brought by Sioux Falls Republican Rep. Tyler Tordsen, and a similar bill without an emergency clause was brought by Pine Ridge Democratic Sen. Red Dawn Foster.
Tordsen explained the scope of the proposal.
“Housing is a challenge, whether you’re in Sioux Falls, whether you’re in rural South Dakota, or whether you’re in the tribal communities," Tordsen said. "So, that was the reason there was so much support for this, just to make sure tribes are eligible, tribal entities are eligible, tribal housing authorities and nonprofits that operate in that area of our state.”
Questions were raised about the necessity of an emergency clause for this bill. Sioux Falls Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba said the need justifies the clause.
“My concern is that the grant funding is already gone, because that became available July 1, so I do think it is urgent," Nesiba said. "I don’t think it is anyone’s intention to keep tribal entities from being able to qualify. They have some of the most pressing housing problems in our state.”
The bill advanced with a do pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote Tuesday and will next be heard on the House floor. As a result of its passage, the similar Foster bill was tabled.