PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – On Wednesday, Governor Larry Rhoden announced his intent to create the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for the new prison. This task force will be established through an Executive Order following the passage and signing of the draft legislation for the new prison.

“It is no secret that our current penitentiary is unsafe and lacks sufficient resources to equip inmates for re-entry into society. On Tuesday, September 23rd, the Legislature can make the largest investment in public safety in South Dakota’s history, which will ultimately reduce recidivism,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “The new facility will dramatically increase programming space, so the next task is to expand our rehabilitative programming – that’s where this task force comes in.”

Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen will serve as the chairman of this task force. The task force will assess the programming needs of the inmate population, understand options for faith-based and Native American-focused programs, study best practices for re-entry models, and make recommendations on how to best use the expanded space of the new facility.

“This year, legislators and other stakeholders worked hard on both the prison task force and the legislative summer study on recidivism,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “This task force will build upon that important work and help shape effective programming for our inmate population.”

Last week, Governor Rhoden released the full plan for a new prison, which will be voted on at the Special Session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The draft legislation, which you can find here, creates the space to allow for treatment programming and vocational training, whereas the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will focus on determining what those programs look like.

The Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will include legislators from both chambers and both parties; a cross section of experts in behavioral health, addiction counseling, and correctional rehabilitative services; and a tribal representative. It will begin its work this fall.

You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the prison plan here.