FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 4, 2025 

Contact: Josie Harms 

Gov. Rhoden Releases Draft Legislation for New Prison

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden released the draft legislation for a new prison, which will be acted on in the upcoming special session of the South Dakota Legislature. This legislation reflects the plan that was unanimously approved by the prison task force. You can find the draft legislation here.  An outline of the legislation can be found here.

“We are one step closer to delivering a new prison to replace the 140-year-old State Penitentiary,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We have a good site, a good plan, the money to pay for it, and now the legislation to authorize it. I look forward to working with legislators to get this bill passed.” 

This legislation was drafted with consultation from legislative leadership, members of the prison task force, and the Legislative Research Council.

Last week, Governor Rhoden announced a FAQ page to answer questions about the plan for the new prison. More information about the full plan will be released within a week.

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