South Dakota Spending on Restricted Technology

State Blog – South Dakota Bill To Prohibit Dangerous China Tech Signed Into Law

Download the South Dakota
Fact Sheet

Overview:

Between 2016 and 2022, the state of South Dakota spent $29,808 on restricted Chinese technology from Lexmark, Inc. and Lenovo, Inc.


New Update: On March 22, 2023, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed into law SB 189 that prohibits purchasing agencies from contracting with companies owned or controlled by certain foreign entities or governments, including China. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jim Stalzer. Click to learn more.

The Problem

Technology products by Chinese government-owned technology manufacturers Lenovo and Lexmark have been banned by U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to their connection to the Chinese government and military, but are still being purchased by state government bodies. While federal policy directs information security at the federal level, states must determine their own security standards making states vulnerable to intrusion through the purchase of these risky Chinese technology products and services.

Download the Briefing Paper

The Solution

State lawmakers can enact laws and regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures.
As awareness grows among state lawmakers, there is a shift at the state level to take these threats more seriously. Some states, such as Georgia and Florida, already have laws or regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures that can serve as model policies, and nearly a dozen more states currently considering legislation.

Learn More