This bill aims to restrict the use of public funds by school districts in South Dakota for lobbying activities. It establishes a new section in chapter 13-8 that prohibits school boards from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists or support nonprofit organizations that employ lobbyists. If a school board violates this provision, residents or taxpayers can seek injunctive relief and recover attorney's fees if they prevail in court. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify that school boards can only use public funds for membership in nonprofit associations that benefit schools and students, provided certain conditions are met, including a majority board vote and the association's non-affiliation with labor unions.

Furthermore, the bill allows school board members to attend meetings of qualifying associations and mandates that school boards cover the expenses incurred by their members attending these meetings. It also specifies that school district administrators can use public funds for association memberships under similar conditions. A new section clarifies that school district employees can participate in associations as long as they personally cover their membership fees without reimbursement from the school board. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that public education funds are not used for lobbying while still allowing for beneficial association memberships.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 13-8-10.1, 13-8-10.2, 13-8-55