State Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Parole Bill

The state Senate Judiciary Committee, on a 6-to-1 vote, passed a bill Tuesday that would limit parole for South Dakota’s most violent offenders.

It requires those convicted of manslaughter, kidnapping, rape and other violent crimes to serve the full term of their sentence. That’s already required for murder convictions.

Senator Brent Hoffmann of Sioux Falls is the bill’s prime sponsor.  He said the inmate should not always be the first and foremost consideration.

Senator David Wheeler of Huron provided the lone ‘no’ vote. He said this bill will not have the impact people think.

Attorney General Marty Jackley supports the move.  He said in a majority of cases, there will be supervised release with a suspended portion of the sentence and court-ordered conditions.

Opponents also said the measure will lead to a massive increase in the prison population, adding to already overcrowded facilities.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

 

February 8, 2023

(Thanks, Brookings Radio)