Terms used in §§ 26-6-36 to 26-6-50 , inclusive, mean: (1) "Child-placement agency," a private organization that receives and places children in foster homes or for adoption, with or without compensation, as a regular activity of that organization or that performs those services as an adjunct to other regular activities; (2) "State benefit program," any program administered or funded by the state or by any agent on behalf of the state that provides cash, payments, grants, contracts, loans or in-kind assistance; (3) "State,": (a) The State of South Dakota or any political subdivision thereof; (b) Any agency of the State of South Dakota or of a political subdivision of the state including any department, bureau, board, commission, council, court, or public institution of higher education; (c) Any person acting under the authority of state law. Source: SL 2017, ch 114 , § 1.