PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota State Senate on Thursday approved a bill backed by Attorney General Marty Jackley designed to enhance penalties for the use and distribution of controlled substances within state correctional facilities.
Senate Bill 42 passed the chamber with a 26-7 vote, while two legislators were excused. The legislation specifically targets the ingestion, possession, and delivery of illegal drugs inside the prison system.
“I investigated eight inmate overdose deaths in South Dakota prisons during 2025, and we have charged several defendants for delivering controlled substances into our correctional facilities,” Jackley said. “We must strengthen penalties for anyone – whether private citizens, correctional staff, or inmates – who smuggle these dangerous drugs into our prisons, putting both staff and inmates at risk.”
The bill is part of a broader legislative package introduced by the Attorney General’s office this session. With the Senate’s approval of SB 42, all 10 of Jackley’s proposed bills have successfully cleared the Senate.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further deliberation. Officials in Rapid City and across the state have continued to monitor the impact of controlled substances on public safety and the regional judicial system.
