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Bill

SB 140

revise provisions related to inmate compensation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Emery and 6 co-sponsors

Adjust inmate compensation rules, detailing how wages are earned, deducted, saved, and applied to restitution or programs within the correctional system.

Withdrawn at the Request of the Prime Sponsor , Passed, S.J. 221
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Bill Summary · SB 140

Summary of SB 140 (South Dakota, 2026 Session)

Note: The bill text accessibility appears limited in the provided materials. The summary below reflects the information available from the bill’s action history, title, sponsors, and standard legislative practice for a measure with the stated focus.

Purpose and Intent

  • Title: “Revise provisions related to inmate compensation.”
  • Objective: Adjust the rules governing compensation paid to inmates, including how, when, and to whom inmate wages and related compensation rights are applied within the South Dakota correctional system.
  • High-level aim: Clarify and potentially modify the framework for inmate earnings, benefits, and related compensation-related procedures to align with current policy priorities and administrative practices.

Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by the title and standard inmate compensation reform patterns)

  • Inmate Wages: Likely revisions to how inmates are paid for work performed while incarcerated (e.g., hourly rates, wage deductions, and permissible uses of earned wages).
  • Deductions and Use of Wages: Possible updates to deductions (for restitution, fines, room/board, or savings) and the permitted destinations of earned funds (e.g., institutional accounts, savings plans, or external transfers).
  • Compensation Eligibility: Revisions to who is eligible for compensation, including potential exclusions or conditions based on behavior, program participation, or security level.
  • Compliance and Administration: Provisions could address administrative responsibilities of the Department of Corrections or supervising agencies in calculating, recording, and distributing inmate compensation.
  • Privacy and Reporting: Possible changes related to record-keeping, privacy, or reporting requirements for wages and deductions.

Important caveat: The exact text of SB 140 is not provided here, so the above items reflect typical elements found in inmate compensation reform bills. The precise provisions, dollar amounts, percentages, deduction caps, and eligibility criteria would be specified in the enacted bill.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Incarcerated Individuals: Primary recipients of wage-based compensation and related benefits.
  • South Dakota Department of Corrections (or equivalent administering agency): Responsible for implementing wage calculation, deductions, distribution, and record-keeping.
  • Victims and Court-ordered Measured Deductions: If the bill adjusts restitution, fines, or other court-ordered withholdings from inmate wages.
  • General Public/Taxpayers: Through potential changes in how inmate labor earnings are allocated (e.g., savings for inmates, funding for correctional programs, or restitution to victims).

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsors include Nicole Uhre-Balk, Eric Emery, Liz Larson, Erin Healy, Kadyn Wittman, Jamie Smith, and Erik Muckey.
  • Introduction and Committees:
    • First Reading: January 27, 2026 (Senate, S.J. 121).
    • Referred to Committee: January 28, 2026 (Senate Judiciary, S.J. 130).
  • Action History:
    • Withdrawn at the Request of the Prime Sponsor: February 9, 2026 (S.J. 221).
    • This withdrawal indicates the bill did not advance to a final floor vote in this session and may be reintroduced in a future session or revised.

Potential Implications

  • Administrative Efficiency: clearer rules could reduce disputes over wage calculations and deductions.
  • Inmate Financial Outcomes: changes in wage amounts, allowable deductions, and savings provisions can affect an inmate’s ability to save money or pay restitution.
  • Recidivism and Rehabilitation: If the bill strengthens savings or program-based compensation, it could influence post-release financial stability.
  • Fiscal Impact: Depending on how wages and deductions are managed, there could be budgetary implications for the corrections system and any affected funds (e.g., restitution collections, victim compensation funds).

If you can provide the full text or specific sections of SB 140, I can deliver a more precise, section-by-section summary with exact provisions, dollar figures, timelines, and affected programs.

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

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