The bill approving the construction of a new South Dakota men’s prison is now officially law.
Governor Larry Rhoden signed the bill Tuesday night after the Legislature narrowly approved it during a special session. The legislation allows the state to move forward with building a 1,500-bed prison in Sioux Falls with an allocated budget of $650 million.
The bill includes an emergency clause allowing it to take effect immediately.
Rhoden pushed for a new men’s prison, continuing the efforts started by former governor Kristi Noem. Opponents raised concerns about the project’s cost and earlier attempts to pass the bill during the regular legislative session.
Rhoden also signed an executive order to create a Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force. The group will decide how to expand rehabilitation services while the state plans for a new prison.
Improving rehabilitation efforts was a top priority for many lawmakers who spoke about the new prison. The new facility will replace the current 140-year-old prison.
