The bill amends several provisions related to the public availability of voter registration records in South Dakota. It specifies that while voter registration records must generally be open to public inspection during office hours, there are exceptions as outlined in sections 12-4-9, 12-4-9.2, and 12-4-9.3. The bill also mandates that voter registration forms must be available at various locations, including those that issue driver licenses and assist disabled individuals, rather than just at the secretary of state's office and specific assistance programs. Additionally, the county auditor is required to maintain a digital master registration file that includes detailed information about registered voters and absentee ballot applications, which must also be open to public inspection, with certain personal information exempted.

Furthermore, the bill introduces protections for personally identifiable information of certain individuals, such as current or retired judges and law enforcement officers, ensuring that their home addresses and contact details are not publicly accessible. The Unified Judicial System and the Division of Criminal Investigation are tasked with providing lists of these individuals to the secretary of state. The bill also establishes that the historical archive of the statewide voter registration file must be maintained and made available free of charge, while continuing to protect sensitive personal information from public inspection.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/16/2026: 12-4-2, 12-4-9, 12-4-9.3, 12-4-37.1
House Judiciary Engrossed, 01/26/2026: 12-4-2, 12-4-9, 12-4-9.3, 12-4-37.1