The portal’s search features aim to simplify how people get services. The new site also offers a chat feature with a pheasant named “Fez” that can connect users to a live agent for support between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST.
Residents can create an account to access a variety of services and maintain records for any received services, from state park reservations to hunting licenses.
The site also allows users to request child-care assistance, victims’ services and information about the state’s broadband program, Connect SD, which launched in 2019 with $5 million in funding.
The project started in May 2021 and was funded by a special legislative appropriation, according to the announcement.
In addition to offering updated digital services, the portal is part of an initiative to protect state systems from cyber attacks.
The portal will feature ongoing improvements. The effort follows other state website improvement projects, such as those in Texas and Michigan.
