Bill > HB188

This bill, known as the "Dignity and Safety for Incarcerated Women Act," aims to establish strict guidelines for sex-based segregation in Mississippi correctional facilities. The legislation defines "sex" based on biological reproductive systems at birth and mandates that multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters be designated exclusively for either males or females. Incarcerated individuals are prohibited from entering spaces designated for the opposite sex, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, maintenance, or temporary supervised circumstances. The bill provides specific definitions for terms like "changing room" and "restroom" and establishes that individuals who experience violations of these rules can pursue legal action against the correctional facility, including seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. Individuals must file such civil actions within two years of the alleged violation and may recover attorney fees if they prevail in court. The law's underlying purpose is to protect the safety, privacy, and dignity of incarcerated individuals by ensuring they are not exposed to members of the opposite biological sex in intimate or vulnerable settings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause that preserves the validity of other provisions if any part of the law is deemed invalid.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0188.xml