The proposed bill aims to prohibit the use of public funds for campaigning or any partisan activities by public bodies, officers, or candidates for public office in South Dakota. It amends existing law to clarify that no public resources, including tax revenues, facilities, or equipment, can be utilized for campaign purposes. Specific prohibitions include the payment of dues to partisan organizations, the use of public funds to influence elections, and the allocation of public employee income to entities engaged in partisan activities, with exceptions made for charitable organizations recognized under federal tax law.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for violations, requiring individuals who knowingly receive contributions in violation of the law to pay restitution equivalent to the public cost or market value of misappropriated resources. It also outlines that the provisions do not restrict public officials from performing their constitutional duties and lists exceptions for certain communications and activities that are not considered partisan campaigning. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure the integrity of public funds and prevent their misuse in political campaigning.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 12-27-21