South Dakota Senate Bill SB105

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/22
• Refer: 1/25/22

Caption

Require renovation estimates on certain school facilities before replacement.

Impact

The bill impacts school construction practices within the state by introducing a requirement that may lead to a more thoughtful approach to school infrastructure planning. By mandating renovation estimates, the bill encourages the boards to evaluate existing facilities' potential before making significant financial commitments to new constructions. This could potentially result in cost savings for school districts and more efficient use of taxpayer funds, as they may find that renovating an existing facility is a more viable alternative.

Summary

Senate Bill 105 mandates that before a school district's board can engage in the construction of a new school facility, it must first obtain a renovation estimate for the facility that is set to be replaced. This estimate must come from an architect or engineer who is not involved in the bidding or contracting process for the new facility. The requirement for a renovation estimate serves to ensure that school boards consider the option of renovating existing structures rather than resorting to new construction without evaluating the potential costs and benefits of renovation.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB105 is the requirement itself, which may be viewed by some as an additional regulatory burden. Critics might argue that the process of obtaining renovation estimates could delay necessary construction projects, particularly in rapidly growing districts that require swift action to accommodate increasing student populations. Additionally, the exemption for facilities condemned by the state fire marshal may raise questions about how effectively the bill accounts for varying conditions of school facilities across districts, which could lead to inconsistencies in its application.