PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Lawmakers gathered in Pierre on Tuesday for the special session to vote on a bill that would fund the proposed prison and approve elements of the structure.

Lawmakers began debating on the House floor in the early evening. To no surprise, the prison conversation has been quite contentious, but the Governor and many lawmakers on the Project Prison Reset Task Force are hoping they have just enough votes.

Lawmakers, current and past, are gathering at the Capitol to discuss legislation that will fund plans for the proposed men’s prison.

One former representative insisted that the state is avoiding looking into effective paths of prison reform so that this prison can be built.

“Are we going to leave that building sitting empty? I don’t think so. I think you’

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