As part of end-of-session budget negotiations, it was announced today that the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater will be closed by June of 2029 through a phased process. The 450 staff members will be reassigned to other roles within the Department of Corrections, and the 1,200 inmates will be relocated to other state facilities. 

“While this news is certainly unexpected for many, my top priority is the safety and well-being of the corrections officers who have served our community with dedication and professionalism,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater). “As this transition moves forward, I will work to ensure that every employee is treated fairly and given an opportunity for a position that fits their skills—without being forced to uproot their lives.”   

The Stillwater facility has long been in a state of disrepair and is considered one of the highest-need correctional institutions in the state. An estimated $700 million would be required to bring the prison up to modern safety and operational standards. 

A February report by the Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC), titled Crumbling Conditions Create Crisis in Minnesota Prisons, noted that the facility “needs significant updates” and “investments may not be realistic.” 

“The Stillwater Prison has been an important part of our community, but it is no longer financially feasible or safe for the people who work there,” Housley added. “We cannot allow our corrections officers to continue working in dangerous, crumbling conditions. I will stay on top of the governor and the administration every step of the way to make sure they follow through on their promises—because the safety and future of our corrections staff depend on it.”