As part of a special session on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the South Dakota Legislature approved a bill that transfers land, authorizes construction and fully funds the South Dakota Correctional Facility. According to Rhoden, the bill represents the largest public safety investment in the history of South Dakota by replacing the 144-year-old South Dakota State Penitentiary, located “on the hill” north of downtown Sioux Falls. The entrance to a residential housing unit at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Seth Tupper / South Dakota Searchlight“To former Governor Kristi Noem: thank you for having the wisdom and foresight to save for this project. Tony Venhuizen speaks to a joint session of the South Dakota Legislature on Sept. 23, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre.