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 county auditors. Additionally, it clarifies that purged or unregistered voters will not be included in this master file, and the retention period for their registration forms is set at twenty-two months.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that information from the statewide voter registration file can only be used for election purposes and cannot be sold for commercial use or made available for unrestricted internet access. It also emphasizes that sensitive information such as social security numbers and driver license numbers cannot be used or sold for any purpose outside of specific provisions. Violations of these regulations are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with potential civil penalties imposed for non-compliance. The new provisions will 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