South Dakota § 49-31-11 - Discrimination prohibited--Civil fine.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-31-11 — Discrimination prohibited--Civil fine., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49-31-11. Discrimination prohibited--Civil fine.
No person or telecommunications company may unjustly or unreasonably discriminate between persons in providing telecommunications services or in the rate or price charged for those services. No telecommunications company may offer a rate or charge, demand, collect or receive from any person a greater or lesser compensation for any telecommunications service offered than it charges, demands, collects or receives from any other person for providing a like telecommunications service. No telecommunications company may make or give any unjust or unreasonable preference or advantage to any person, nor unjustly or unreasonably prejudice or disadvantage any person, in the provision of any telecommunications service. Notwithstanding any prohibitions in this section, upon application to the commission, any telecommunications company may after investigation by the commission, be authorized by the commission to charge special rates or to give certain preferences which are determined by the commission to be fair and reasonable.
Nothing in this section applies to volume discounts or to the provision of telecommunications services at reduced rates for the United States, this state, local governments or governmental subdivisions.
Whoever violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of unjust discrimination and shall be punished by a civil fine not less than one thousand nor more than five thousand dollars for each violation. Nothing in this section may alter or eliminate any remedy otherwise available to an injured party, including an injured party's right to initiate a suit against the company guilty of discrimination pursuant to § 49-13-14.1.
Source: SDC 1939, §§ 52.1317, 52.9925; SL 1983, ch 15, § 113; SL 1983, ch 331, § 10; SL 1987, ch 345, § 54; SL 1988, ch 375, § 15; SL 1992, ch 328, § 36.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 49-31-11
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-31-11 cover?
Section 49-31-11 ("Discrimination prohibited--Civil fine.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 49-31-11?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-31-11" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 49-31-11 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.