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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Introduces Law Enforcement Protection Bills

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden introduced two bills that will strengthen protections for our law enforcement officers and public officials.

"Law enforcement officers have come under fire across the country, but South Dakota will not tolerate it. We will respect the rule of law and those who keep us safe," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "These bills are an important step forward to protect law enforcement and public officials who give so much to the people of South Dakota."

Governor Rhoden previously announced these bills in his State of the State Address. You can find that clip here.

HB 1083adds doxxing to the crime of stalking with heightened penalties when it targets law enforcement and public officials.

HB 1084protects law enforcement, federal judges, federal and state legislators, and statewide officials from doxxing and other forms of malicious activity by removing their personal information from the public statewide voter files. State judges' information has been protected since 2022.

Doxxing is the publishing of personal information about an individual, such as their home address and personal phone number, on the internet with malicious intent to encourage people to seek out that official at their home.

Governor Rhoden is also supporting HB 1007, which amends the definition of law enforcement officer to include tribal law enforcement officers.

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