This bill amends South Dakota law to prohibit candidates and political committees from accepting contributions or loans from various entities, including foreign nationals, foreign governments, and federal agencies. Specifically, it adds new language to Section 12-27-21, stating that candidates and political committees may not accept contributions or loans from a state, state agency, political subdivision of a state, foreign government, foreign national, federal agency, or the federal government. The bill also reclassifies the penalties for violations, changing the offense from a Class 2 misdemeanor to a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first violation and a Class 6 felony for subsequent offenses within a calendar year.

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 Act will take effect immediately upon passage and approval. This urgency underscores the importance of the legislation in maintaining the integrity of political financing in South Dakota.

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