The South Dakota House will soon decide whether to add new campaign‑finance limits for statewide officeholders. The House State Affairs Committee advanced HB 1278 on an 8–4 vote Wednesday.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Will Mortenson of Pierre, would bar elected state officials running for office from accepting campaign donations from their top agency staff. Mortenson said the proposal mirrors long‑standing federal rules and would affect fewer than 100 state employees. The restriction would take effect January 1, 2027.
Opponents argued the bill restricts free‑speech rights and could be inconsistently applied depending on agency structure. Gov. Larry Rhoden’s chief of staff, speaking personally, said campaign support should remain a personal choice. Others noted the bill wouldn’t apply to local or federal races.
Mortenson countered that staff could still volunteer or spend money independently on campaigns, but should not feel pressured to contribute directly. Rep. Tim Reisch, a former cabinet secretary, said he once felt expected to donate during a past administration, calling the bill a needed safeguard.
The full House must act by Tuesday’s crossover deadline.
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