PIERRE, S.D.(KELO & SDBA)- South Dakota lawmakers are considering the largest expenditure in state history today…a proposed new 650-million dollar men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

The House and Senate were gaveled in at nine this morning…followed by an address by Governor Larry Rhoden to a joint session in the House chamber.

Governor Rhoden call for programming with the new prison that encourages rehabilitation.

Governor Rhoden acknowledge the Project Prison Force Task Force for their work this summer addressing this.

A joint committee approved a due pass of 13-2 on a $650 million prison bill for South Dakota.The bill will advance to the Senate first.

The lone no votes were from Speaker of the House and governor candidate Republican Jon Hansen and Speaker Pro Temp Republican Rep. Karla Lems.

Lems questioned the size and cost.

Hansen objected to providing transgender inmate care while federal court rulings are pending.

SB2 has now passed the South Dakota Senate on a 24-11 vote.  The bill now moves on to the South Dakota House where 2/3 votes is needed to pass(47 votes).

SB2 has now passed the South Dakota House on a 51-18 vote.

Governor Larry Rhoden signed the bill on Tuesday night.

Governor Rhoden also signed an Executive Order establishing the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for the new prison.