Legislation would allow released convicts to be sent to home counties
Supporters say measure could reduce recidivism, ease crime in Sioux Falls, Rapid City
PIERRE – The Department of Corrections would be required to transport discharged inmates to their home county if that’s where they wanted to go.
Senate Bill 139 adds the county that a person resided in as possible location to state law, which already stipulates that a discharged inmate can be transported to the county where they were sentenced. The law also requires they be given clothing and any money they earned while in prison.
“Honestly, we don’t want everyone getting out of prison just to stay in Sioux Falls,” Sen. Jamie Smith said last week when presenting his bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It would also apply to prisoner released from facilities in Pierre, Rapid City and Springfield.
South Dakota Senate takes aim at frivolous lawsuits meant to suppress free speech
PIERRE – South Dakota is moving to join more than three dozen other states to short circuit lawsuits meant to stifle free speech, political activists and media.
