Bill > HB1238

This bill proposes a moratorium on the expansion of private correctional facilities that house state offenders in Mississippi. Specifically, the bill prohibits any privately operated correctional facility currently utilized by the state to house state inmates from increasing its housing capacity, and prevents the state from entering into any new contractual agreements with private entities for housing state offenders. The legislation amends multiple sections of the Mississippi Code to implement these restrictions, adding language that subjects various existing provisions related to private correctional facilities to the new limitations. The bill maintains existing language about the operation of private correctional facilities but effectively freezes their current capacity and prevents new contracts. By doing so, the legislation aims to limit the growth of private prison operations in the state, potentially as a way to address concerns about private prison management or to control state correctional spending. The moratorium applies to facilities in various counties, including those in Leflore, Tallahatchie, Marshall, and Wilkinson Counties, and covers different types of correctional facilities such as special needs facilities and restitution centers. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1238.xml