The proposed bill amends South Dakota's campaign finance laws by introducing new definitions and regulations regarding contributions to political committees, particularly concerning inactive candidate campaign committees. It defines an "inactive candidate campaign committee" as one that is not actively pursuing an election, has failed to secure a nomination, or has lost an election without filing a termination report. The bill clarifies various terms related to political contributions and removes outdated language. It establishes a new contribution limit, allowing statewide candidates to accept up to four thousand dollars from these inactive committees, while maintaining unlimited contributions from political action committees and political parties.

Additionally, the bill sets specific contribution caps for candidates and political action committees, with limits of one thousand dollars and ten thousand dollars, respectively, from inactive candidate campaign committees. It also addresses contributions from unemancipated minors, stating that such contributions will be deducted from the total allowed for their custodial parents. The bill modifies campaign finance disclosure requirements, mandating that political committee treasurers file reports with the secretary of state, including pre-primary and pre-general reports. It also requires political parties that lose their qualified status to file a termination statement by a specified deadline, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

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