The amendment narrowed the study's scope by requiring the Department of Corrections to examine only juvenile correctional and residential facilities *outside of South Dakota* rather than facilities generally, and clarified that the evaluation should focus on "correctional and residential facilities" specifically. This change redirects the bill from a general study of best practices to a comparative analysis of out-of-state facilities that South Dakota might learn from or potentially use.
26.930.16 26.930.17 101st Legislative Session 220 2026 South Dakota Legislature Senate Bill 220 SENATE JUDICIARY ENGROSSED Introduced by: Senator Hohn Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. An Act to authorize a comprehensive study of juvenile correctional and residential 1 facilities, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency. 2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA: 3 Section 1. The Department of Corrections shall conduct a comprehensive study of juvenile 4 correctional and residential facilities. facilities outside of this state. The study must include an 5 evaluation of: 5 6 (1) Best practices in juvenile detention correctional and treatment; 6 residential facilities; 7 (2) Therapeutic pod housing models that prioritize rehabilitation; 7 8 (3) Vocational training and mental health integration; and 8 9 (4) Staff-to-youth ratios and safety protocols in non-traditional settings. 9 10 The study must include on-site inspections and interviews at no fewer than three 10 11 juvenile correctional or residential facilities outside of this state. 11 12 Section 2. There is appropriated $50,000 from the general fund, to the Department of 12 13 Corrections, for the purposes described in section 1 of this Act. 13 14 Section 3. The Department of Corrections shall submit a written report to the Executive 14 15 Board of the Legislative Research Council of its findings and recommendations no later than 15 16 September 1, 2026. 16 17 Section 4. The secretary of the Department of Corrections shall approve vouchers and the 17 18 state auditor shall draw warrants to pay expenditures authorized in this Act. 18 19 Section 5. Any amounts appropriated in this Act not lawfully expended or obligated shall 19 20 revert in accordance with the procedures prescribed in chapter 4-8. 20 21 Section 6. Whereas, this Act is necessary for the support of the state government and its 21 22 existing public institutions, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act shall be in 22 23 full force and effect from and after its passage and approval. 23 24