John Hult South Dakota Searchlight

When the South Dakota Legislature convenes for a special session Tuesday at the Capitol in Pierre, lawmakers will again be asked to answer a question that’s swirled for decades: Is it time to close the oldest parts of the state penitentiary?

A “yes” would mean a green light for the most expensive capital project ever funded by the state’s taxpayers.

A “no” could drag debate on the future of the 144-year-old building known as “the Hill” into another legislative session this winter.

Either answer will ripple through a state correctional apparatus that’s been subject to increasing scrutiny for the past four years.

The stakes, the stage

Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden needs two-thirds of lawmakers in each legislative chamber to approve his plan for a 1,500

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