This bill amends existing legislation regarding the lobbying activities of public employees in South Dakota. It specifies that no elected officer, department or agency head, or division director, or their highest-paid employee may lobby for a period of two years following their termination of service in state government. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for "political activity" and "public employee," and outlines specific prohibitions on public employees, including the misuse of official authority for political purposes, soliciting contributions while at work, and engaging in political activities while on duty or using state resources.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the rights of public employees to vote and engage in political activities, provided they adhere to the restrictions outlined in the legislation. It allows public employees to express political opinions, participate in campaigns, and contribute to political parties, among other activities. The bill also repeals a previous section that required certain state employees to register as lobbyists when representing their departments before the Legislature, thereby streamlining the regulations surrounding lobbying and political engagement for public employees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/05/2025: 2-12-8.2, 2-12-7.1