PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota State Penitentiary, built in 1881, has legislative approval in 2025 to be replaced.
Lawmakers in Pierre approved a $650 million plan Tuesday for a new men’s prison with around 1,500 beds in northeast Sioux Falls. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, who had made clear his hope for legislative success, signed the bill Tuesday night at the state capitol.
“I am pleased beyond measure that we got to this point, and it’s due to the work of the people surrounding me here,” Rhoden said.
But it only arrived on his desk after passing the Senate by the slimmest of margins: 24 votes in support. Since the bill appropriates money, legislative rules say it needs two-thirds support in both the Senate and House.
“A vote ‘no’ is not kicking the can down the road,” said Republican Sen. Lauren Nelson, who voted against the bill. “It’s what I mentioned before: being wise and prudent, balancing fiscal responsibility and public safety.”
“We’ve got the money,” said Republican Sen. Ernie Otten, who supported the bill. “We’ve got the desire to do better for the inmates.”
“This is the best path forward to where we can replace the current penitentiary, provide a safe place to work for our correctional officers,” said Republican Sen. Jim Mehlhaff, who supported the legislation.
With passage out of the Senate secured, it moved to the House of Representatives, where the two-thirds threshold meant 47 votes in support of the legislation had to happen.
“Why is there a rush, an incredible rush to get this thing across the finish line when we haven’t even put into practice policy changes that are desperately needed,” said Republican Rep. Phil Jensen, who opposed the bill. “Anywhere from protecting inmate safety, staff safety.”
In the end, the bill passed the House with votes to spare: 51 in favor, 18 against, and one excused.
“This bill is about whether or not we allow people to continue living in a crumbling 19th-century building or whether we take the step of creating a facility that meets basic standards of safety and dignity,” said Democratic Rep. Kadyn Wittman, who supported the bill.
“Colleagues, this is not just about building a prison,” said Republican Rep. Tesa Schwans, who supported the legislation. “We’re building hope for families. We’re building opportunity for those who want change. We’re building support for law enforcement, for victims and the communities that we represent.”
