In a heated Senate floor session on May 18, 2025, Minnesota lawmakers grappled with the controversial decision to close the Stillwater prison, a move that has raised significant concerns about public safety and the future of the state's correctional system. The discussion highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the decision, which was described as a "backroom deal" that bypassed necessary legislative processes and public input.

Critics of the closure, including members of the judiciary committee, expressed frustration over the absence of a formal bill, committee hearings, and stakeholder involvement. They emphasized that closing the state's second-largest prison without a clear replacement plan could jeopardize the safety of both inmates and corrections officers, potentially leading to overcrowding in other facilities. With approximately 1,200 inmates and 500 staff affected, the implications of this decision are far-reaching.

The debate also touched on Minnesota's relatively low incarceration rate, which has decreased significantly over the past decade. Advocates for maintaining the prison argued that reducing capacity without addressing underlying crime issues could lead to dangerous outcomes. They warned that the state risks being unprepared for future increases in crime, especially if current leniencies in sentencing and parole policies are reversed.

As the session concluded, lawmakers were urged to reconsider the implications of closing Stillwater prison without a comprehensive plan. The call for legislative oversight and public engagement underscored the importance of transparency in government decisions that directly impact community safety and well-being. The outcome of this discussion will likely shape Minnesota's correctional landscape for years to come, as residents and officials alike await further developments on this critical issue.