Bill > SB2049

This bill extends the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act by modifying the current sunset (expiration) date from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029. The act provides a mechanism for addressing prison overcrowding by allowing the Governor to declare a state of emergency when the prison system population exceeds 95% of its operating capacity for 30 consecutive days. Under this emergency 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. The bill brings forward existing sections of the law, which outline a detailed process involving the Commissioner of Corrections and the State Parole Board for assessing prison population levels, recommending actions, and managing the advancement of parole dates. Key requirements include weekly population certifications, potential termination of the emergency when population levels return to normal, and provisions for supervision and potential revocation of the advanced parole dates. The bill essentially preserves the existing emergency powers framework for managing prison overcrowding by extending its operational timeline for an additional four years.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2049.xml