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Bill

HB 1054

repeal the creation and budgeting for the Digital Dakota Network.

2026 Regular Session

HB 1054 repeals South Dakota's Digital Dakota Network broadband program and eliminates its state funding, potentially leaving rural areas without infrastructure investment.

Scheduled for hearing
#executive/judiciaryrequest #stateaffairsandgovernment #telecommunications
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Bill Summary · HB 1054

Legislative bill overview

HB 1054 seeks to eliminate the Digital Dakota Network and remove its dedicated state funding. The Digital Dakota Network is South Dakota's broadband infrastructure initiative designed to expand high-speed internet access across rural and underserved areas of the state.

Why is this important

Broadband access directly affects economic development, education, healthcare delivery, and quality of life in rural communities. Repealing this program would reverse the state's investment in closing the digital divide and could leave rural South Dakota at a competitive disadvantage for attracting businesses and talent.

Potential points of contention

  • Rural vs. urban impact: Rural areas typically depend more on state broadband initiatives since private providers find insufficient profit incentive; repeal could deepen rural-urban connectivity gaps
  • Economic development trade-offs: Lack of broadband infrastructure may hinder rural business attraction and expansion, potentially affecting long-term tax revenue and job growth
  • Existing infrastructure investment: Repealing the program could strand previous state investments or create unclear obligations for partially completed network projects
  • Federal funding implications: South Dakota may lose matching federal broadband dollars if the state discontinues its program, multiplying the cost of withdrawal

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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