South Dakota lawmakers on Tuesday approved a $650 million plan to replace the state’s aging penitentiary with a new 1,500-bed facility in Sioux Falls, which will be the largest expenditure in state history.
Senate Bill 2 passed the House 51-18 after a marathon special session, following a narrow 24-11 vote in the Senate earlier that day.
Gov. Larry Rhoden signed the bill Tuesday evening. The governor also announced the establishment of a Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force aimed at expanding rehabilitation and reentry programming as facility planning moves ahead.
Supporters argued that the state’s corrections system is at a breaking point and desperately needs safe, modern space to address overcrowding and deteriorating conditions.
Rep. Tim Reisch (R-Howard), the longest-serving corrections secretary in state history, strongly endorsed the project.
In opposition, Rep. Peri Pourier (R-Rapid City), who recently switched from Democrat to Republican noted the state has other pressing needs.
The bill is funded from the state’s incarceration construction fund and reserves, with no new taxes or bonds. The Governors office says construction of the new facility will take about 4 years.
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