FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Leads on Implementation of Law Enforcement Protection Bill

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden made progress on implementing HB 1084, a result that he delivered this legislative session to stop doxxing of law enforcement officers. Governor Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley sent a letter to law enforcement agencies outlining the implementation process of this protection. One of those letters can be found here.

“Across this country, we have seen officers targeted and threatened in their homes, and doxxing of our uniformed men and women has become an occupational hazard,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley. “As Governor and Attorney General, with the support of public safety entities including the Division of Criminal Investigation, we passed a law to help protect your officers’ personal information online.”

During this past legislative session, the Governor also worked with law enforcement agencies and Representative Matt Roby to establish the crime of doxxing to protect officers and judges from this new age threat. HB 1298 was signed and will be effective on July 1st.

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.

“Doxxing undermines the public safety work of law enforcement officers and judges and puts their lives at risk. One publication of someone’s personal information can be viewed by anyone, shared with hundreds, and stored forever,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “No one should feel unsafe in their own home. These bills put a stop to that by preventing bad actors from targeting the dedicated men and women who protect us every day.”

Governor Rhoden announced initial versions of both HB 1084 and HB 1298 in his State of the State Address, once again delivering results on his promise to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.

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