This bill aims to repeal the establishment and funding of the Digital Dakota Network, which was previously created to advise on statewide video telecommunications options and provide services for education, government, business, and rural economic development. Key sections of the law are amended and repealed to eliminate references to the Digital Dakota Network, including the removal of the Office of Digital Dakota Network and its associated responsibilities. Specifically, sections 1-33-26, 1-33-30, 1-33-32, 1-33-35, 1-33-36, and 1-33-59 are repealed, effectively dissolving the network and transferring its functions to the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications.

Additionally, the bill amends section 1-26D-5 to change the language regarding the chief hearing examiner's rule-making authority, allowing for the promulgation of rules for the Office of Hearing Examiners without specifically mentioning the Digital Dakota Network. It also modifies section 1-33-38 to clarify the administration of the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications under the commissioner, while introducing new responsibilities related to creating a telecommunications network that serves various sectors effectively. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline telecommunications governance in South Dakota by removing the Digital Dakota Network from the legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/09/2026: 1-26D-5, 1-33-38, 1-33-26, 1-33-30, 1-33-32, 1-33-35, 1-33-36, 1-33-59