Legislators’ new devices will become part of ‘the cloud’

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota legislators soon won't feel so frustrated when they can't remember the passwords to their state-issued laptops and tablets while away from the Capitol.

That's because the state Legislative Research Council is putting the devices on a cloud-based data system, so that LRC technology staff can remotely assist, no matter where a lawmaker might be.

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For years, their devices had to be brought back to the LRC office in the Capitol for help.

The LRC's chief IT officer, Elijah Rodriguez, briefed the Legislature's Executive Board about the change on Tuesday.

It comes as lawmakers get new devices in the coming weeks ahead of the 2025 legislative session that starts January 14.

One of those who's gone through some of those password struggles is Republican Rep. Chris Karr , who won election to the Senate last week.

Karr praised the change. "By the time I get home, I can't remember what I put it as," he said.

The Legislature in 2016 separated its technology and data system from the state government's executive branch and stopped receiving service from the state Bureau of Information and Telecommunications.

Republican Rep. Mike Weisgram , who serves on the Executive Board's technology subcommittee, asked for approval on Tuesday for the latest package of security policy changes, including training guidelines.

Republican Sen. Casey Crabtree , another subcommittee member, spoke in support of the additional requirements. "You can't just train one time and be good. It's an ongoing effort," he said.

Republican Sen. Lee Schoenbeck , the board's chair this year, agreed.

"It's critically important, and I think the Legislature is finding out more and more how important it is to what you're doing," Schoenbeck said.