Appropriations Committee approves $365,000 for alternate care (Teen Challenge) after debate

The joint Appropriations Committee adopted motion sheet B11, adding $365,000 to the alternate care grant program for Teen Challenge after a lengthy debate about demand and previous budget reversions.

Representative Sam Nordstrom, sponsor of the motion, said the change follows a clarification in HB 1140 that will make alternate care an explicit option for judges and projected only a small share of cases would use the option. Nordstrom argued the program is cost-effective: he noted the program's reported recidivism rate and said the $50-a-day alternate care cost is lower than incarceration costs. "That is a fiscally conservative idea to buy something at half price that performs much better than something at double the price," Nordstrom said during the debate.

Opponents, including Senator Howard, urged caution and pointed to historic reversions of general funds in this line item. Howard said the judicial system has reverted significant amounts in recent years and argued the committee should wait for demonstrable need rather than add ongoing general fund authority immediately.

Aaron Olsen of the Unified Judicial System told the committee the program’s last-year expenditures were $267,150 against a $333,334 budget and that Teen Challenge served approximately 50 South Dakota men last year; UJS said the program has 54 beds in Brookings and the appropriation would increase funded beds from 18 toward 38 when combined with the existing budget.

On roll call, the motion passed 14–4. Committee members discussed monitoring usage and returning to the budget if actual demand differs from projections. The motion specifies the additional funds for alternate care grants under the unified judicial system and takes effect with the adopted fiscal year budget.