Amendment K Would Fund Trust for Unclaimed Property
South Dakota voters decide Tuesday whether unclaimed intangible property should move into a higher-interest trust managed by the state's investment council.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Investing
Live Poll
Should South Dakota put unclaimed property into a state trust fund to fund public works?
South Dakota voters will weigh Amendment K on Election Day, which would place unclaimed intangible property into a trust fund. Under current law, such property is transferred to the state treasurer after three years of being unclaimed.
Why it matters
The measure would change how the state holds property owners' funds that currently sit in a temporary fund earning 3% to 4% annually. Owners can reclaim transferred property at any time without monetary loss under existing rules.
The current temporary fund earns 3% to 4% annual interest, while Amendment K projects 7% to 8% under the South Dakota Investment Council. The projection is not guaranteed, and no official con-statement had been added to the ballot as of Monday.
The players
South Dakota Investment Council
The state body that would manage the proposed trust fund for unclaimed intangible property under Amendment K.
The details
Amendment K is one of four ballot questions South Dakota voters will consider. The measure would move intangible property that has gone unclaimed for three years into a trust overseen by the South Dakota Investment Council.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: South Dakota Election Day, when voters decide Amendment K and three other questions.
Market Dynamics
Amendment K would alter South Dakota's existing abandoned intangible property law, which currently transfers unclaimed property to the state treasurer after three years. The change would shift those funds from a temporary fund earning 3% to 4% into a trust managed for higher returns.
For owners of unclaimed intangible property in South Dakota, Amendment K would change where those funds are held and the interest they could earn. Owners would still be able to reclaim transferred property at any time without monetary loss.
The takeaway
Voters weighing Amendment K should compare the current 3% to 4% return against the projected 7% to 8% trust return, while noting that the projection is not guaranteed. Owners of unclaimed property keep the right to reclaim it regardless of the outcome.
Further reading
For broader context on managing savings and returns, see Investing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.
Live Poll
Should South Dakota put unclaimed property into a state trust fund to fund public works?
