Special session to approve the new South Dakota State Penitentiary is happening now.

Rep. Fred Deutsch (R-Florence) presents HB1076 to the floor of the full House Wednesday in Pierre. Photo: Patrick Callahan, SDBA

Pierre, SD (KELO.com) — South Dakota lawmakers are considering the largest expenditure in state history today…a proposed new 650-million dollar men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls. The House and Senate were gaveled in at nine this morning…followed by an address by Governor Larry Rhoden to a joint session in the House chamber. The process of considering the proposal begins with committee action within the next hour. The measure requires a two-thirds vote to win approval.