SB 220 South Dakota Senate · 2026 Regular Session

authorize a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential facilities, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SB 220 directs South Dakota's Department of Corrections to conduct a study evaluating juvenile correctional and residential facilities. The study must examine best practices, therapeutic housing models, vocational training combined with mental health services, and staff-to-youth ratios, including inspections at three facilities outside South Dakota. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to cover study costs and requires a written report to the Legislative Research Council by September 1, 2026. This is a procedural study bill with no direct policy changes or new requirements for facilities, solely aimed at gathering information for future decisions.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Failed

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Mar 4, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Senate Judiciary Engrossed · 7 edits · Feb 13, 2026

MODERATE

The bill SB 220 was transformed from a browser error page into a complete legislative text authorizing a study of out-of-state juvenile correctional facilities. The bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Department of Corrections to evaluate best practices, therapeutic housing models, vocational training, and safety protocols. It includes $50,000 in funding and requires a report to be submitted by September 1, 2026.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from non-existent (browser error page) to a substantive legislative act authorizing a study of juvenile correctional facilities outside South Dakota.

SCOPE

Added authorization for the Department of Corrections to conduct a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential facilities outside South Dakota.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific evaluation criteria including best practices, therapeutic pod housing models, vocational training, mental health integration, staff-to-youth ratios, and safety protocols.

Added requirement for on-site inspections and interviews at no fewer than three juvenile correctional or residential facilities outside South Dakota.

FISCAL

Added $50,000 appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Corrections for the study purposes.

TIMELINE

Added deadline of September 1, 2026 for the Department of Corrections to submit a written report to the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council.

ENFORCEMENT

Added standard legislative provisions for voucher approval, warrant drawing, and unexpended funds reversion procedures.

TECHNICAL

Added emergency declaration provision stating the Act is in full force and effect from passage and approval.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 26, 2026 · House Mar 4, 2026

How they voted

23–9

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 35

Feb 26, 2026

D Democratic3

2 Yea 1

66% Yea

R Republican32

21 Yea 9 Nay 2

65% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

House of Representatives Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 30, NAYS 37 H.J. 512

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Vote failed

House Vote: fail (30-37-3)

house

Mar 3, 2026

Introduced

First read in House and referral to committee waived pursuant to JR 6D-1 H.J. 485

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 24, NAYS 9 S.J. 424

upper

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Reconsidered , Passed, YEAS 25, NAYS 8 S.J. 423

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Upper · Passed

Intent to reconsider , Passed, S.J. 414

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 23, NAYS 9 S.J. 413

upper

Feb 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee on Appropriations Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 16, NAYS 1

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

Judiciary Referred as Amended to , Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0 S.J. 23

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Introduced

Judiciary Motion to amend , Passed, S.J. 23 Amendment 220A

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Introduced

First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 179

upper

8 primary · 0 co-sponsors