South Dakota House lawmakers are gridlocked over constructing a men’s prison near Sioux Falls.
Friday afternoon, House lawmakers were supposed to vote up or down on whether to transfer money and authorize construction of a new 1,500-bed men’s prison near Sioux Falls. It would be the largest purchase in state history — at $825 million.
That would have required a two-thirds vote in favor of the idea, but many House lawmakers have expressed skepticism about the Department of Correction’s current project.
So instead, lawmakers amended the bill to transfer more money into the incarceration construction fund — a pot of money lawmakers have been stashing one-time dollars into to pay for the prison campus.
That only requires a simple majority vote and would keep discussion of the project alive.
Republican Karla Lems represents the district where the site of the current proposal is located. She opposes the idea.
“To me, this whole prison project—this is on life support," Lems said.
The idea failed 34-35, with one absent. Because one lawmaker was absent and the vote was so close, the House will vote on the idea again.
Republican Rep. Jack Kolbeck said some form of a new prison is needed, but that lawmakers must take care of the most important part first.
“To make sure we prioritize funding for our public safety," Kolbeck said.
Even if the absent lawmaker votes in favor of the bill, those supporting the idea need at least one to flip and vote yes.
The transfer will mean the Incarceration Construction Fund would have about $791 million dollars.
House lawmakers have until Tuesday to vote on the bill.
