PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- The South Dakota House rejected a bill Friday that would have transferred just over $148 million toward a new men’s prison in Lincoln County, voting 34-35 against the measure.

Prior to the session beginning, SDBA’s Austin Goss discuss an amendment to the bill to eliminate the 2/3 majority because of the appropriations part of it.

House Bill 1025, stripped of its original construction authorization through an amendment, would have added funding for the proposed $825 million facility planned between Harrisburg and Canton.

Bill supporter, Republican Rep. Jack Kolbeck from Sioux Falls, explains the funding process.

Republican Rep. Will Mortenson from Pierre also defended the spending.

Republican Rep. Aaron Aylward (ail-word) from Harrisburg voiced concerns about the site selection.

Democratic Rep. Peri Pourier (pooh-yer) from Rapid City questioned whether the state should examine the root causes of incarceration.

Republican Rep. Mary Fitzgerald from Spearfish cited public safety concerns regarding recent violent crimes.

Republican Rep. Liz May from Kyle said the process hasn’t been transparent.

The Department of Corrections requested the new facility to replace the aging state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

The amended bill would have freed up approximately $34 million to fund other needs in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The legislature is approaching one of its most important deadlines–“Crossover Day.”

Tuesday, all bills from the house of origin must be passed or killed.

This deadline puts additional pressure on legislators to devise a solution or compromise on prison funding.

Bill supporters asked for reconsideration of the measure on Monday.