Bill > HB950

This bill reenacts and extends the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act, which provides a mechanism for addressing severe prison population challenges in Mississippi. The act allows the Governor to declare a "state of emergency" when the prison system population exceeds 95% of its operating capacity for 30 consecutive days. Under such a declaration, the Governor can conditionally advance the parole eligibility dates for "qualified inmates" (those not convicted of serious violent crimes) by 30 to 90 days to reduce prison overcrowding. The bill requires the Commissioner of Corrections to notify the Governor when population levels approach critical capacity and mandates weekly reporting during an emergency. The State Parole Board must review its powers to reduce prison population, and the Governor can terminate the emergency if it threatens public safety. Importantly, this bill extends the sunset date of the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2028, effectively maintaining this emergency management tool for an additional three years. The legislation provides a structured, temporary approach to managing prison population pressures while attempting to balance public safety considerations with the need to reduce overcrowding.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0950.xml