PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA) — The South Dakota House of Representatives has rejected a proposal to rename the Department of Corrections.

The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously, aimed to add “and Rehabilitation” to the department’s name, reflecting a shift toward reforming criminal justice.

House Minority Leader Erin Healy, who sponsored the bill in the House, argued it was a meaningful addition, but many lawmakers disagreed, calling it “virtue signaling.”

Supporters of the bill said the name change wouldn’t cost the state money, as the department would decide when to update materials. However, some lawmakers voiced concerns about any spending in a time of budget cuts.

Former Corrections Secretary turned lawmaker Tim Reisch also opposed the bill, suggesting that the department should be allowed to move forward under the new administration without symbolic changes.

Both the governor’s office and the department of corrections had remained neutral on the legislation.