Failed bill to repeal South Dakota’s death penalty came from Republican former head of prison system

By: Meghan O'Brien

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 19, 2026

Words: 491

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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PIERRE — The latest push to repeal the death penalty in South Dakota came from a Republican lawmaker who formerly led the state prison system and served as a county sheriff.

State Rep. Tim Reisch, R-Howard, introduced a bill that, in recent years, had been brought by Democrats. The bill failed Wednesday in a legislative committee, with only Reisch voting to support it.

There’s one person on South Dakota’s death row,

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