The South Dakota legislature passed major justice reforms last year, and added some juvenile justice changes this year.
Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says it will take some time for the changes to become effective….

Stevens says one of the goals of the reforms was to cut the number of people behind bars…..

Stevens says there also has to be programs in communities to help offenders avoid going back to jail…..

Stevens says the legislature will monitor the progress and make changes as needed.