Senate renames Department of Corrections to emphasize rehabilitation
February 14, 2025 | 2025 Legislative SD, South Dakota
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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 192 to rename the state Department of Corrections as the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Senator Smith, the bill’s sponsor, said the change reflects a renewed emphasis on support, recovery and reintegration of incarcerated people. "Names tell a story," Smith said, arguing the rename affirms a commitment to rehabilitation alongside correctional responsibilities. Proponents pointed to other name changes in government as precedent and highlighted North Dakota’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as an example with reported lower recidivism rates.
Supporters said the bill is largely nominal and administrative — a change in statutory references that will align language with existing rehabilitative programming without an immediate new appropriation. Senator Carr called the measure a "gentle nudge" that clarifies focus and provides a vision for staff and the public.
The final roll call was 35 yeas, 0 nays. The president declared the bill passed.
Senator Smith, the bill’s sponsor, said the change reflects a renewed emphasis on support, recovery and reintegration of incarcerated people. "Names tell a story," Smith said, arguing the rename affirms a commitment to rehabilitation alongside correctional responsibilities. Proponents pointed to other name changes in government as precedent and highlighted North Dakota’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as an example with reported lower recidivism rates.
Supporters said the bill is largely nominal and administrative — a change in statutory references that will align language with existing rehabilitative programming without an immediate new appropriation. Senator Carr called the measure a "gentle nudge" that clarifies focus and provides a vision for staff and the public.
The final roll call was 35 yeas, 0 nays. The president declared the bill passed.
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