Technology

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1048: make an appropriation for the expansion of broadband infrastructure and to declare an emergency.

HB 1048 appropriates $87 million in federal funds to the Governor's Office of Economic Development for grants expanding broadband infrastructure across South Dakota, primarily benefiting rural and underserved communities lacking reliable internet access. The bill authorizes the office to distribute grants under federal broadband program guidelines, with payments processed through state vouchers and audits. It declares an emergency to expedite implementation, allowing the funding to take effect immediately upon passage. Unspent funds must revert to the state treasury per standard procedures, as specified in Chapter 4-8 of South Dakota law. This is a funding measure focused on infrastructure deployment, not regulatory changes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill allocates $87M for broadband infrastructure expansion in rural/underserved areas, directly advancing internet access - a key technology policy area.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 135: protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers and clarify authority to regulate data centers.

SB 135 requires data center operators to pay all electricity costs associated with their facilities, preventing utilities from raising residential rates to cover these expenses (Section 3). It also prohibits tax exemptions for data centers (Section 5) and ensures local governments retain authority to regulate data center development (Section 4). The bill mandates data centers to report projected water usage to local providers and the Board of Water Management before operation, with annual reports on actual consumption (Sections 6-7), ensuring water allocation prioritizes residential and essential services. This directly affects data center operators, utilities, and South Dakota residents by limiting cost-shifting and protecting local resource management.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProhibits tax exemptions for data centers (Section 5), closing a tax loophole and increasing state revenue, aligning with fiscal responsibility and budget management.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents utility rate hikes for residents by requiring data centers to cover electricity costs, protecting consumers from increased energy expenses.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill imposes financial burdens (electricity costs, tax exemptions) and regulatory restrictions on data centers, directly limiting their operational flexibility without advancing tech policy goals.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Technology

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 98: prevent virtual currency kiosk fraud.

SB 98 requires operators of virtual currency kiosks in South Dakota to obtain a license under existing financial regulations (Chapter 51A-17). It mandates detailed reporting to the state, including transaction volumes, user complaints, refund requests, and suspicious activity. The bill also requires kiosk operators to provide users with receipts containing transaction details, exchange rates, virtual currency addresses, and refund policies. These provisions directly affect kiosk operators (licensees) and users engaging in virtual currency transactions at these locations. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in virtual currency kiosk operations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates virtual currency kiosks with licensing and reporting requirements to prevent fraud, aligning with consumer protection in technology regulations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 75: amend the type of entities eligible to participate in the cybersecurity services initiative.

SB 75 expands eligibility for South Dakota's cybersecurity services initiative to include nonprofit utility companies and utilities operated by local governments (like cities or counties). It appropriates $7 million from the general fund to the Attorney General's Office to fund cybersecurity infrastructure and administrative costs for eligible entities. The bill modifies existing law to allow these newly included organizations to access the initiative's resources, which previously covered only counties and municipalities. Funds must be used to protect IT assets and address specific cybersecurity needs of participating local governments and utilities. The initiative aims to improve cybersecurity across state government and service provider networks.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $7M from general fund for cybersecurity infrastructure, increasing state spending on public service funding per budget topic indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands cybersecurity funding to nonprofits and local utilities, enhancing infrastructure access per bill's intent to strengthen cybersecurity resources.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

passed both · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HB 1275: create requirements for age verification and parental consent for application stores and to provide a penalty therefor.

This bill amends existing state consumer protection laws to add requirements for age verification and parental consent for application stores, which are digital platforms where users download software applications. The legislation would require these stores to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent from minors before allowing them to access or download applications. It also establishes penalties for businesses that fail to comply with these new verification and consent requirements. The bill does not create new consumer protection categories but rather modifies existing deceptive trade practices provisions to include digital application store compliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens consumer protection by requiring age verification and parental consent, enhancing digital safety for minors and regulating tech platforms.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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passed · South Dakota · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 1314: modify provisions pertaining to the testing and use of automatic tabulating equipment.

HB 1314 modifies South Dakota's election equipment rules to enhance security and standardization. It prohibits internet-connected voting systems, requires vendors to submit software source code for independent review before certification, and mandates annual system updates. The bill directly affects election vendors (who must provide source code and maintain systems), the State Board of Elections (which must certify systems), and local jurisdictions (which must use updated systems or conduct manual counts). Systems approved before January 1, 2026, expire July 1, 2026, and vendors must cover costs if manual recounts are needed due to outdated equipment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates source code review and prohibits internet-connected voting systems to enhance election cybersecurity, directly strengthening security measures per topic indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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passed · South Dakota · House Feb 9, 2026

HB 1229: require the inclusion of certain features within a manufacturer's application store or on a developer's application.

HB 1229 requires app stores (manufacturers) and app developers to include specific features for user transparency. Specifically, app stores must list all purchasable goods/services with prices on app pages, and developers must provide an easy-to-access feature allowing users to view those prices and cancel subscriptions. The bill applies to all app stores and developers operating in South Dakota, with requirements deemed "technologically feasible." Violations trigger a 90-day cure period before the attorney general can impose civil penalties up to $1,000 per incident. The law focuses on mandatory disclosure and user control, not on creating new private legal claims.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires app store transparency on pricing and subscription cancellation, enhancing consumer protection in digital transactions. This aligns with supporting technology policies for user rights.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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