Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2025

Contact: Josie Harms

 

Gov. Rhoden Announces Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force Members

 

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the membership of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for the new prison.

 

“Securing a new prison was a major win for our state. Pairing our new facility with strong programming will lead to the best outcomes for inmates and result in safer communities for generations to come. This task force will prioritize reducing recidivism and getting offenders back to work,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.

 

This task force was established through Executive Order 2025-07 following the passage and signing of SB 2, which provides for a new prison in Sioux Falls. Both SB 2 and EO 2025-07 were signed at the conclusion of the special session on September 23.

 

The Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will assess the programming needs of the inmate population, understand options for faith-based and Native American-focused programs, study best practices for re-entry models, and make recommendations on how to best use the expanded space of the new facility. 

 

“I am a strong believer in bringing voices from broad perspectives to the table. The task force’s diverse membership will ensure sound programming for our inmate population,” continued Governor Rhoden.

 

The members of the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force are:

 

  • Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen, Chair;
  • Mayor of Sioux Falls Paul TenHaken;
  • Judge Pat Pardy, Third Judicial Circuit;
  • Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-District 11;
  • Senator Tamara Grove, R-District 26;
  • Senator Joy Hohn, R-District 9;
  • Senator Paul Miskimins, R-District 20;
  • Senator Ernie Otten, R-District 6;
  • Senator Sue Peterson, R-District 13;
  • Senator Jamie Smith, D-District 15;
  • Representative John Hughes, R-District 13;
  • Representative Greg Jamison, R-District 12;
  • Representative Chris Kassin, R-District 17;
  • Representative Brian Mulder, R-District 11;
  • Representative Tim Reisch, R-District 8;
  • Representative Tesa Schwans, R-District 9;
  • Representative Eric Emery, D-District 26A;
  • Representative Kadyn Wittman, D-District 15;
  • Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Danial Haggar;
  • Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller;
  • Southeast Tech President Cory Clasemann;
  • Minnehaha County Jail Warden Mike Mattson;
  • State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn;
  • Sioux Falls City Council member Rich Merkouris;
  • Founder of I.Am.Legacy Erik Brings White;
  • CEO of Great Plains Tribal Leader’s Health Board Jerilyn Church;
  • Executive Director of SD Council of Mental Health Centers Terry Dosch;
  • Sioux Falls School Board Member Dawn Marie Johnson;
  • Secretary of Labor and Regulation Marcia Hultman; and
  • Department of Corrections Deputy Secretary Brent Fluke.

 

The task force will begin its work later this month.

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