Senate committee passes bill to limit parole for violent offenders

The Senate Judiciary Committee, on a 6-1 vote, passes a bill 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.

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

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

Opponents also say 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