The legislative process to debate whether to build a $650 million new men's prison in Sioux Falls set sail with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden's blessing.

Rhoden addressed the full Legislature during a joint session of the South Dakota House of Representatives and Senate in the House chambers Sept. 23.

The Legislature is meeting to vote on whether to pass legislation to purchase a 148-acre property in northeast Sioux Falls and build a 1,500-bed, $650 million men's prison on the parcel.

Here's the full, unedited transcript of Rhoden's speech during the first special session of the 100th Legislative Session:

Lt. Governor Venhuizen, Speaker Hansen, Supreme Court justices, Constitutional officers, members of the House and Senate, and my fellow South Dakotans:

I want to welcome you all to

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