The bill amends South Dakota law to enhance transparency regarding the calendars and appointment logs of statewide public officials. Specifically, it modifies the existing exemptions under section 1-27-1.5 by removing the exclusion of public officials' calendars and appointment logs from public records. The new language stipulates that the exemption for these records will not apply to calendars or appointment logs created on or after July 1, 2025, for individuals holding statewide office. This change aims to ensure that the public has access to the scheduling and activities of their elected officials, promoting accountability and openness in government.

In addition to the changes regarding calendars and appointment logs, the bill also makes various deletions and insertions to clarify the types of records that remain exempt from public disclosure. For instance, it specifies that personal correspondence, memoranda, and other personal records of public officials are still protected, while also maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information such as medical records, trade secrets, and law enforcement records. Overall, the bill seeks to balance the need for public access to certain governmental records with the protection of sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/27/2024: 1-27-1.5
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 01/23/2025: 1-27-1.5