This bill amends South Dakota law to explicitly prohibit candidates and political committees from accepting contributions or loans from foreign nationals, as defined in federal law. The current statute already prohibits contributions from various entities, including foreign governments and agencies, and the amendment adds foreign nationals to this list. Violations of this provision are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with subsequent offenses within a calendar year escalating to a Class 6 felony.

Additionally, the bill declares an emergency, indicating that it is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and stipulates that the law will take effect immediately upon passage and approval. This urgency underscores the importance of preventing foreign influence in local political financing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/01/2026: 12-27-21
Enrolled, 03/04/2026: 12-27-21