The justice reform bill, SB 70, passed through the South Dakota Senate Thursday, after some emotional debate. The bill was the result of a summer long series of committee meetings. Senator Reid Holien of Watertown was a member of that committee, and spoke for it on the floor…
The bill would allow for the use of alternative sentencing methods for states attorneys and judges, with an eye toward cutting the number of people sent to prison. Senator Craig Tiezen of Rapid City says being tough on crime has in many cases created more criminals…
Senator Jim Bradford of Pine Ridge spoke of his families experiences with the criminal justice system…
The bill passed on a 31 to two vote, and now heads to the House.