Bill > HB1079

This bill amends Section 47-5-931 of the Mississippi Code to expand the Mississippi Department of Corrections' (DOC) authority to contract with county governments for housing state inmates. Specifically, the bill explicitly authorizes the DOC to enter into contracts with Forrest County and Wayne County to house state offenders in their correctional facilities. The bill maintains existing provisions that require any county facility used to house state inmates to meet American Correctional Association standards and comply with federal and state constitutional requirements. The legislation allows the DOC discretion in determining how many inmates can be housed in these county facilities, with a potential limit of 75 additional offenders in regional facilities beyond existing arrangements. The bill also gives the Governor and Commissioner of Corrections administrative flexibility to adjust the number of offenders placed in regional correctional facilities. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing counties with additional opportunities to generate revenue by housing state inmates and helping the state manage its prison population.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1079.xml