The bill amends South Dakota's procurement laws, specifically section 5-18A-22, to clarify the exemptions from the provisions of this chapter and related chapters (5-18B, 5-18C, and 5-18D). The amendments maintain existing exemptions for various types of contracts, including those related to highway construction by the Department of Transportation, utility contracts, and purchases from government entities. Additionally, the bill specifies that certain contracts, such as those for professional services, equipment repair, and supplies for research projects at institutions under the Board of Regents, are also exempt from these procurement provisions.

The bill introduces new language to further delineate the types of contracts that are exempt, including those for emergency asbestos removal, various professional services, and purchases made through a Midwestern Higher Education Compact group purchasing program. It also clarifies that the procurement of insurance and performance bonds must be supervised by the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the procurement process for highway construction contracts while ensuring that specific exemptions are clearly defined.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/01/2026: 5-18A-22
Enrolled, 02/24/2026: 5-18A-22