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Senate approves $50,000 study of juvenile corrections after heated floor debate
Summary
The South Dakota Senate voted to pass SB220, authorizing a comprehensive study of juvenile corrections and a $50,000 appropriation and requiring a report back to the Legislature. Supporters called it a small, preventive investment; opponents argued the Department of Corrections should absorb the cost (24 yays, 9 nays, 2 excused).
The South Dakota Senate on March 2 voted to pass Senate Bill 220, which authorizes a comprehensive study of juvenile corrections and residential facilities and includes a $50,000 appropriation and an emergency clause that required a two-thirds vote.
Senator Hone, who moved to reconsider the bill so absent members could vote, said the measure would prioritize the Department of Corrections (DOC) work and require a report back to the Legislature. "This is the initial phase, a kickstart if you will. The goal is to see what other states are doing," she said, urging colleagues to give DOC a statutory priority to complete the study.
Opponents said the DOC already has a large budget and should be directed to perform such reviews within existing funds. "DOC's budget is more than $170 million…we're talking about $50,000. They can cover this in their budget and they should be doing this already," Senator Howard said, arguing the appropriation could set a precedent for special funding requests.
Supporters emphasized the potential long-term savings of early intervention and identified disproportionate youth incarceration rates among Native Americans as part of the motivation for study. "If we don't do something while they're young right now and address comprehensively…we are going to pay for it twofold," Senator Foster said.
After roll-call debate, the Senate recorded 24 yays, nine nays and two excused; that tally met the two-thirds threshold and the president declared SB220 passed. The bill requires the DOC to report back to the Legislature on findings and recommendations.
Next steps: SB220 will be transmitted as required and its reporting deadlines will be set in the implementing language if included in the enrolled bill.
