The proposed bill amends South Dakota's election laws to introduce new definitions and regulations regarding political contributions, particularly focusing on contributions from inactive candidate campaign committees. It defines "inactive candidate campaign committee" as a committee of a candidate who is not actively pursuing election or has lost an election without filing a termination report. The bill allows statewide candidates or their campaign committees to accept contributions from these inactive committees, with a limit of four thousand dollars, which aligns with existing contribution limits for individuals and entities. Additionally, the bill revises definitions for "candidate," "contribution," and "political committee," while clarifying the roles of auxiliary organizations and ballot question committees, ultimately aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

Moreover, the bill prohibits contributions from ballot question committees and specifies that contributions made by unemancipated minors will count against their custodial parents' total contribution limit. It sets new contribution limits for inactive candidate campaign committees, allowing up to $1,000 for legislative or county candidates and up to $10,000 for political action committees and political parties. The bill also updates campaign finance disclosure requirements, detailing treasurers' obligations and allowing them to submit termination reports at any time. It establishes a process for political parties that lose their qualified status to file termination statements, while maintaining consistent penalties for violations, with a Class 2 misdemeanor for initial offenses and a Class 1 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses within the same calendar year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/27/2024: 12-27-1, 12-27-7, 12-27-8, 12-27-9, 12-27-10, 12-27-22
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 01/22/2025: 12-27-1, 12-27-7, 12-27-8, 12-27-9, 12-27-10, 12-27-22