This bill amends South Dakota's voter registration laws to enhance the privacy of personal information provided on voter registration forms. Specifically, it prohibits public access to certain personal details, including telephone numbers and email addresses, in the master registration file maintained by the county auditor. The bill also clarifies that the information of purged or unregistered voters will not be included in this master file and establishes a retention period of twenty-two months for voter registration forms of these individuals.

Additionally, the bill restricts the use and sale of information obtained from the statewide and county voter registration files, allowing it only for election purposes and prohibiting any commercial use or unrestricted internet access. It specifies that sensitive information such as social security numbers and driver license numbers cannot be used or sold for any purpose outside of what is outlined in the law. Violations of these provisions are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with potential civil penalties. The Act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/17/2025: 12-4-9, 12-4-41
House State Affairs Engrossed, 01/27/2025: 12-4-9, 12-4-41