Article

State Representative Kent Roe is introducing legislation aimed at establishing a tax policy to support data center operations in South Dakota. Following extensive stakeholder collaboration since April, Roe has prepared what he describes as the 35th draft of the bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to attract data centers by offering tax breaks on equipment and software, contingent on ensuring that electric service costs are not shifted to other utility customers and that water demands can be met. Roe emphasizes the potential for economic diversification, job creation, and alignment with national security and technological goals, noting that over 40 other states already benefit from data centers.