South Dakota 2026 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HB1046

Introduced

1/13/26

Refer

1/15/26

Report Pass

2/9/26

Engrossed

2/23/26

Refer

2/24/26

Enrolled

2/26/26

Passed

3/9/26

Caption

Authorize the Department of Corrections to demolish the Pierre Minimum Center, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The passage of HB 1046 will have a significant impact on the management of state correctional facilities and related infrastructure. By demolishing the Pierre Minimum Center, the state aims to address possible safety and compliance issues related to the facility’s upkeep and operational status. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Corrections to facilitate the transition to new correctional strategies or facility designs, potentially paving the way for new facilities or renovation projects in the future.

Summary

House Bill 1046 authorizes the South Dakota Department of Corrections to demolish the Pierre Minimum Center. It includes specific provisions for the removal and disposal of fixtures and hazardous materials from the site, aiming to restore it to grade. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $682,825 from the general fund for this demolition project. The urgency of the project is underscored by the bill declaring an emergency, allowing for immediate action once the bill is passed and approved.

Sentiment

Sentiment around the bill appears to be generally supportive among legislative members who recognize the need to enhance state correctional capacities and rectify existing issues with older structures. The overwhelming support in the voting history, with 30 yeas and only 2 nays during the passing of the bill, reflects a consensus on the necessity of such action within the legislative body. This indicates a strategic move toward modernizing and maintaining strategic support for the corrections system in the state.

Contention

While the bill generally received strong support, there could be underlying concerns regarding budget allocations, as the use of funds from the general fund could draw attention from those monitoring state expenditures. Critics of such appropriations often raise questions about the prioritization of resources within the state's budget, especially concerning how the removal of facilities aligns with broader needs in public safety and corrections. The emergency declaration may also garner scrutiny, as stakeholders analyze the necessity of expedited processes for demolition projects.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD SB1

Authorize the Department of Corrections to purchase and exchange certain real property, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD HB1025

Authorize the Department of Corrections to construct a prison facility for offenders committed to the Department of Corrections in Lincoln County, to make an appropriation therefor, to transfer moneys to the incarceration construction fund, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB52

Authorize the expansion of the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB56

Authorize the payment of lease rental obligations to the South Dakota Building Authority by the Bureau of Finance and Management, to make an appropriation therefore, and to declare an emergency.

SD SB2

Authorize the Department of Corrections to purchase and exchange certain real property, to contract for the design of a prison facility, to construct a prison facility in Minnehaha County for offenders committed to the Department of Corrections, to make an appropriation therefor, to transfer moneys to the incarceration construction fund, and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.