At the halfway point of the session

Halfway through the 2026 Legislative Session, I wanted to share a quick update on what I’ve been working on for the Southern Hills.

I ran to be your senator because our district deserved a serious, effective voice in Pierre—someone who would show up, serve on committees, do the work and fight for results with professionalism and credibility. That’s still my mission every day.

Last year, I delivered real results, passing six bills where I was the prime sponsor. But my focus isn’t just racking up bill numbers. I care about what those bills do for you. Impact matters more than headlines, and I measure success by what actually changes for you and your family back here at home.

Last year, I tackled costly budget line items for counties, non-citizen voting, better petition processes and formats, water district issues and more transparency in our elections. 

In Pierre, I serve on the Taxation Committee and as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee. So, you’ll be able to tell that this year, those are generally the topics I’m focused on with my legislation: 

Property tax relief: real bills, real impact

Property taxes are crushing families, retirees and young people trying to buy their first home. That’s why I’ve been pushing multiple solutions aimed at lowering the burden, increasing fairness and giving taxpayers more transparency and protection:

SB 154 – Helps homeowners by treating detached garages, sheds, and similar structures more fairly for property tax purposes, saving those impacted $269 per $100,000 of evaluation. 

SJR 507 – Puts a major property-tax reform question directly to voters at the next general election—because big structural reform should come with a clear vote of the people.

SB 183 – Strengthens transparency and public notice before opt-outs—because taxpayers should never be blindsided by decisions that hit their wallets.

SB 208 – Helps level the playing field for property owners appealing assessments by requiring attorney’s fees to be awarded to prevailing taxpayers—so regular people aren’t punished for challenging an incorrect valuation or classification.

Protecting free speech and stopping

“bully lawsuits”

I introduced and advanced SB 137, South Dakota’s anti-SLAPP bill—designed to protect citizens, journalists and activists from lawsuits meant to punish people for speaking out on public issues. Free speech shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford a lawyer. 

Health care access:

tackling the

dialysis problem

I’m actively working on the dialysis issue impacting patients and families in our region. In rural South Dakota, when access breaks down it’s not just inconvenient—it can mean dangerous delays, long travel and real stress on families. I’m pushing for solutions that improve access and stability.

Hot Springs VA: real movement, finally

I ran for office because of the issues surrounding the VA hospital in my hometown of Hot Springs and the need to be a voice for a community that too often feels ignored. I’m proud to share that we are seeing real movement: for the first time in almost a decade, our federal officials are meeting with the Secretary of the VA in Washington, D.C., to get real progress on the Hot Springs VA. I’m going to keep pressing until we see tangible improvements for our veterans and their families.

I’m grateful for the calls, emails, and conversations that keep me grounded in what matters back home. If you see me at the grocery store, at an event, or at a school function, please stop me and tell me what you’re seeing and what you need. That’s how we keep Pierre connected to the people it serves.

It’s an honor to serve you.

Send me an email at amber.hulse@sdlegisla

ture.gov if you have a question or concern or if you’d like to be added to my email newsletter and more frequent updates!