The South Dakota Joint Committee on Appropriations convened on January 23, 2025, to discuss significant funding allocations for a new men's prison, which is projected to cost up to $700 million. The committee approved a plan to allocate $10 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, alongside $132 million from general funds and $93 million from the budget reserve, into a dedicated savings account for the project.

While the funding is secured, the committee clarified that no decisions regarding the prison's location, design, or size were made during this meeting. Those critical decisions are expected to be addressed in a future bill that will require a two-thirds legislative vote for construction authorization.

Concerns were raised about the current state of prison facilities, with testimonies from corrections officers indicating feelings of increased danger and insecurity among staff. This sentiment has been echoed by family members of inmates, who reported issues with visitation and communication due to recent policy changes. The committee acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need for a thorough examination of existing policies as the new facility is planned.

The meeting also highlighted a downward trend in incarceration rates, with projections indicating a potential decrease in the male prison population over the next two decades. This trend raises questions about the necessity and scale of the new prison project, prompting calls for exploring alternative solutions and expansions of existing facilities.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that the new prison meets safety standards and addresses the needs of both staff and inmates, while also considering the implications of recent policy changes on the correctional environment. The next steps will involve further discussions and legislative actions to finalize the project's details and secure the necessary approvals for construction.