News

Jackley to Propose Foreign Donation Ban, Stronger Open Meetings Rules in 2026 Legislature

Jackley to Propose Foreign Donation Ban, Stronger Open Meetings Rules in 2026 Legislature

Photo: Metro Services


MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said he plans to introduce bills during the 2026 legislative session that would address election integrity and the state’s open meeting laws.

Jackley’s election proposal would prohibit foreign nationals from contributing or donating financially to state campaigns. In a statement, Jackley said the measure would align with a presidential executive order and is intended to keep South Dakota elections “transparent and accountable” to state voters.

A separate set of three bills would revise South Dakota’s open meeting laws. The proposals would require meeting agendas to include a statement of items scheduled for consideration, revise requirements for executive or closed meetings, and require posting an agenda for any official open meeting on a state website at least 72 hours before the meeting is scheduled to start.

Jackley said the open meetings proposals were recommended by an advisory task force he created. Two media representatives on the committee — David Bordewyk of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association and Steve Willard of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association — said the changes would help reduce confusion and improve public access to government meetings.

Jackley said he intends to introduce a total of 10 bills when the 2026 Legislature convenes Jan. 13, with additional announcements planned as bills are filed. The full release is available through the state’s news site, and filings will appear on the Legislature’s bill tracker once posted.

Recent Headlines

24 hours ago in College, High School, Local Sports, Sports

Sports Roundup: Wednesday 12/31/25

High School Basketball Results & Upcoming Games, Mitchell Wrestling, College sports & Timberwolves next game.

2 days ago in Sports

In the NBA, 2025 might go down as the year of the injured. Nikola Jokic joined that club at the end

Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton is going to miss the entire season because of the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Boston's Jayson Tatum — who hopes otherwise — might also miss the whole season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs last spring.

2 days ago in Sports

Tiger Woods turns 50. It’s the one time golf’s greats can relate to him

Talk to any golfer who played against Tiger Woods and there is sure to be at least one story about one shot so sublime they were certain it could not be hit by them or anyone else.

2 days ago in Sports

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is ‘stable’ after 2 die in car accident in Nigeria

Anthony Joshua, the two-time former world heavyweight champion from Britain, was in a stable condition in the hospital Monday after being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two people who were close friends and team members, his promoter said.

2 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Where are the wackiest New Year’s Eve drops in the US?

Why let New York City have all the fun with its Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve? Dozens of places across the U.S. will ring in 2026 by dropping a quirky assortment of fruits, vegetables, sea creatures and balls of all shapes and sizes. Many have a hometown flair.