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LRC board approves 16" Dell laptops and iPad Airs, funds accessibility contract
Summary
The Legislative Research Council executive board approved recommending 16" Dell laptops and iPad Air devices for the next legislative term and heard that the LRC will contract with USD’s Center for Digital Accessibility—estimated maximum cost $23,500—to audit and remediate public-facing digital assets ahead of an ADA Title II deadline.
Elijah Rodriguez, the Legislative Research Council’s (LRC) chief information officer, told the executive board that the LRC is stepping up digital accessibility work to comply with a Department of Justice rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires government digital assets to meet accessibility standards by April 26, 2027 for agencies serving more than 50,000 people.
Rodriguez said the LRC has created staff work groups to write a digital accessibility policy and a public process for reporting accessibility issues. He said the agency will contract with the University of South Dakota’s Center for Digital Accessibility to audit websites, myLRC, and public documents using automated scans and manual testing with assistive technologies. Rodriguez estimated the maximum contract amount at $23,500 and said the contract will include staff training and document remediation support as needed.
The technology subcommittee also reviewed options for legislator devices for the 2027–2028 term. Rodriguez presented trade-offs between iPad and laptop options: moving from an iPad Pro to an iPad Air would forgo Face ID but retain biometric fingerprint login and save about $20,000 for the fleet (iPads estimated at $35,000 vs. $55,000 previously). Replacing the Dell laptop fleet will cost substantially more than the last purchase; Rodriguez estimated roughly $128,000 for comparable new laptops and described a choice between smaller 14" models (less battery life, no numeric keypad) and larger 16" models (more battery, larger footprint, higher weight).
Representative Elward moved that the board recommend purchasing 16" Dell laptops and iPad Airs for the upcoming two legislative sessions; the motion passed by voice vote. Jeff Melhoff, the LRC deputy director and fiscal chief, told members that a $190,000 line was budgeted for device replacement and that remaining funds could be applied toward the accessibility contract if not spent on devices. Rodriguez said the LRC’s buyback program typically returns about $18,000 every two years when older devices are sold back into the general fund.
The board also discussed basic cybersecurity hygiene: Rodriguez reported that recent simulated phishing exercises produced a small number of clicks by legislators and one staffer and recommended continued simulation and periodic password changes.
The board approved the IT recommendations by voice vote; next steps include finalizing the contract with USD for accessibility work, proceeding with procurement planning for the chosen devices, and confirming final pricing and logistics.
