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SB 2

General Assembly – Special Election to Fill a Vacancy in Office

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cheryl Kagan

Senate Bill 2 authorizes $650 million for a new prison in Minnehaha County, impacting corrections, local economies, and ensuring no detention of noncitizens during deportation.

Hearing 3/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 2

Summary of Senate Bill 2 (SB 2)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) aims to authorize the South Dakota Department of Corrections to undertake significant actions related to the construction of a new prison facility in Minnehaha County. The bill encompasses the purchase and exchange of real property, the design and construction of the facility, and the appropriation of funds necessary for these activities. An emergency declaration is included to expedite the implementation of the bill.

Key Provisions

  1. Construction Authorization:

    • The Department of Corrections is authorized to contract for the design and construction of a prison facility specifically for offenders committed to the Department.

  2. Real Property Transactions:

    • The bill allows the Department to purchase specific parcels of land in Minnehaha County, totaling approximately 177.59 acres, for the construction of the prison.
    • The Department is also authorized to exchange state-owned real property in Lincoln County, totaling 320 acres, as part of the transaction.

  3. Funding:

    • A total of $650,000,000 is appropriated from the incarceration construction fund for the purchase of land and construction of the facility.
    • Additionally, $78,778,932 will be transferred from the general revenue replacement fund to the incarceration construction fund to support the project.

  4. Procurement Process:

    • The Bureau of Human Resources and Administration is tasked with competitively procuring construction packages, ensuring transparency and public access to the procurement process.

  5. Restrictions on Use:

    • The new facility is explicitly prohibited from being used for the temporary detention of non-adjudicated noncitizens who are being actively deported by the Department of Homeland Security.

  6. Emergency Declaration:

    • The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, which is crucial for the timely development of the prison facility.

Impact

  • Stakeholders: The primary stakeholders affected by this legislation include the South Dakota Department of Corrections, local government entities in Minnehaha County, and the general public, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system.
  • Economic Considerations: The substantial financial appropriation indicates a significant investment in state infrastructure, which may create jobs during the construction phase and potentially impact local economies.
  • Operational Changes: The establishment of a new prison facility may lead to changes in how offenders are managed and rehabilitated within the state’s correctional system.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: September 23, 2025
  • Legislative Actions: The bill was passed by both the Senate and House on the same day, with significant support (Senate: 24-11; House: 51-18).
  • Governor's Approval: Signed by the Governor on September 23, 2025, indicating swift legislative action.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of SB 2, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the state of South Dakota and its correctional system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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