Tony Venhuizen

A task force to find a path forward on building a new men’s prison agrees that the state of South Dakota needs to replace the 144-year-old building in Sioux Falls.

A task force looking to craft a proposal for a new men’s prison will weigh the pros and cons of 11 East River locations at its next meeting.

South Dakota, which formerly held biannual legislative sessions, has reached 100 total lawmaking sessions. After well over a century of change, lawmakers now turn to the future.

South Dakota says it is “Open for Business,” but recent developments in the state Legislature have some worried its business-friendly model may be changing.

A group appointed by Gov. Larry Rhoden is exploring options for a new prison facility in the state. Following the first of four meetings on what to do about constructing a new men’s prison to address overcrowding, many lawmakers say programming for inmates must increase.

Gov. Larry Rhoden wants a ‘reset’ on the proposed men’s prison project. Rhoden signed an executive order to form a task force on Thursday morning. The group is comprised of lawmakers and stakeholders to find a path forward on a prison this year.

Eminent domain has been a major issue in South Dakota for years as companies look to lay pipelines across the state, and property owners lands. One bill has narrowly escaped the Senate and highlights the divides between camps.

The Senate appropriations committee is advancing an idea that could take a large amount of unique dollars the state holds onto and turn it into revenue.

Tony Venhuizen is officially lieutenant governor for the state of South Dakota. The Sioux Falls Republican was officially sworn in Thursday afternoon.

A Senate Select Committee is recommending approval of Gov. Larry Rhoden’s nominee for lieutenant governor, Tony Venhuizen.