The bill approving the construction of a new South Dakota men’s penitentiary is now officially law.
Gov. Larry Rhoden signed the bill Tuesday night after the Legislature narrowly approved it in a special session. It allows the state to move forward building a 1,500-bed, $650 million prison in Sioux Falls to replace the state’s aging penitentiary.
The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately.
Rhoden was a driving force behind the push to create a new men's prison, continuing the efforts of his predecessor, former Gov. Kristi Noem. Opponents raised concerns about the cost of the project, and efforts to approve it during regular session earlier this year stalled.
In addition, Rhoden signed an executive order Tuesday establishing the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force. The governor said the group will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for a new prison.
“Here in South Dakota, we take action to protect our citizens and strengthen their futures — the same principle is true of our inmate population,” Rhoden said. “This new task force will place an emphasis on reducing recidivism and getting offenders back to work.”
Many lawmakers stressed the importance of improving rehabilitation efforts during discussion on the new prison.
