Attempt To Repeal Death Penalty Fails In Committee

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A bill to end the death penalty in South Dakota was voted down 10-1 by the state's House Judiciary Committee. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Tim Reisch, who argued that research shows the death penalty does not deter crime. However, Attorney General Marty Jackley opposed the bill, stating that certain crimes warrant capital punishment and citing the murder of a corrections officer by inmates in 2011.

Why it matters

The failure to repeal the death penalty in South Dakota reflects the ongoing national debate over the use of capital punishment, with proponents arguing it is a necessary deterrent for the most serious crimes, while opponents contend it is ineffective and inhumane. This vote highlights the challenges faced by those seeking to abolish the death penalty at the state level.

The details

The bill to end the death penalty in South Dakota was sponsored by Rep. Tim Reisch, who argued that research shows capital punishment does not effectively deter crime. However, the bill was voted down 10-1 by the state's House Judiciary Committee. Attorney General Marty Jackley opposed the bill, stating that certain crimes warrant the death penalty and citing the 2011 murder of a corrections officer by inmates as an example of a case where capital punishment would be appropriate.

• The House Judiciary Committee voted on the bill on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
• The 2011 murder of a corrections officer by inmates was cited as a reason to maintain the death penalty.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The bill's failure in the House Judiciary Committee means it is unlikely to advance further in the legislative process this session, though the debate over the death penalty in South Dakota is likely to continue.